I have been very fortunate to have been invited to a number of key events and presentations during May that included a lunch or dinner. This has allowed me to experience again the delights of Filini at the Radisson and the magic of Opus in Cornwall Street. This last week we had a private dinner held by Birmingham Forward for its Patrons and catered for by the team at the City Inn and most recently, a dinner to celebrate the launch of Eleven Brindleyplace, the city’s newest office building. This was a 'tour de force' by Andy Waters and his team from Edmunds who delighted the some 110 guests with a “simple menu” six course taste experience. This doesn’t of course help the ever elusive diet, however, it is very encouraging to see the city coming to life. Business people are emerging into the hospitality environment once again, and being re-invigorated by the value of face to face networking. Old fashioned in these days of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn?? No, they do have their own value, but it is important to remember that business is gained and sustained on building relationships and this is at its best when you can actually see and speak to the person you are communicating with. Also, what fantastic dining opportunities our city affords with a mixture of successful independents and large global players.
With this in mind, we are very pleased to see that our events continue to receive good attendance levels and a number of them over the forthcoming weeks are already full, you really do have to plan your business and networking strategy these days to stay ahead of the game. One of the most telling events is Birmingham Future’s legendary BYPY (Birmingham Young Professional of the Year) taking place on 4th June at the ICC. Over 600 people have already booked their tickets making this our biggest selling event. Don’t want to miss out? Some tickets are still available but this is your last opportunity.
So could these all be signs of the ‘green shoots of recovery’ that people are talking about? Whilst we appreciate that this isn’t the case for all, there is an increase in members telling us of contracts being won, building work re-commencing and awards being received. It certainly feels like a good start to the glorious summer the Met Office is promising us.
Positive attitudes lead to positive actions...
News & Events
Delegation to India
Birmingham Forward chairman, Sue Lewis, is leading a delegation to the India: Gateway to the future conference, taking place in New Delhi from 28th – 30th October. This is a business and legal conference bringing together leading lawyers and other professionals in India and the UK, at a time when both jurisdictions are developing closer ties. There will be an in depth look at inward investment opportunities in the UK.
The delegation, including a number of member firms, will have particular involvement in the “Focus on Birmingham” sessions on day one of the conference. This will include Birmingham Forward, Birmingham City Council, the University of Birmingham and Birmingham Law Society, supported by UK Trade & Investment, highlighting the benefits of investing in Birmingham. Day two and three will involve seminars and networking, with seminar topics including Islamic finance, construction law and business immigration in the UK. The conference as a whole will offer the opportunity to network and explore legal and business opportunities in one of the fastest growing economies in the developing world.
If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Richard Brennan: richard.brennan@birminghamforward.co.uk. Photo: Sue Lewis, chair of Birmingham Forward
PSMG offer CPD points
Birmingham Forward has been working with PSMG (Professional Services Marketing Group) for over four years. They have run numerous marketing focussed events.
We are pleased to confirm that all PSMG seminars qualify for CPD points, assisting overall training and development programmes of attending individuals and their firms. PSMG are accredited for members of either The Law Society, the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants or those studying for a CIM course. The comprehensive PSMG seminar programme and training courses help to sharpen individual skills, enhance performance, improve morale and increase staff retention. The Birmingham PSMG events are organised by Birmingham Forward. The next event is scheduled for Wednesday 22nd July and will focus on sharpening your sales and business development techniques. Please email claire@birminghamforward.co.uk to book your place.
New Birmingham Forward website
We are delighted to announce that the much anticipated new Birmingham Forward website will be live by 1st June. All members will be notified of their personal login details by email. Once the website is live, please direct any website related queries to Tahreen Kutub by emailing tahreen@birminghamforward.co.uk.
Recent Event: Directory Launch
The Birmingham Assay office hosted the launch of the Advised in Birmingham directory 2009/10 on Monday 18th May. The directory has continued to be an extremely useful guide to the professional and financial services sector in Birmingham and is also an informative source about the city.
The evening included a drinks reception and canapés kindly provided by Fresh Thinking, part of the University of Birmingham. This was followed by speeches from Richard Brennan, chief executive of Birmingham Forward and David Clarke, managing director of Clarke Associates, who have been partners in this publication for the past three years. The evening ended with networking and tours around the Assay Office.
Photo: Members of the directory production team. L-R: Tahreen Kutub (Birmingham Forward), Richard Brennan (Birmingham Forward), Clare Godson (Clarke Associates), Lydia Thornton (Clarke Associates) and David Clarke (Clarke Associates)
Recent Event: PSMG Client Loyalty - Protecting your clients: Part Two
Paul Matthews, of The PACE Partners, was welcomed back by Forward members for part two of his Client Loyalty seminar on Wednesday 20th May at Ernst & Young's offices at 1 Colmore Square. Paul delivered an interactive seminar, which showed members how to retain and also gain business. A worthwhile seminar in today's competitive climate.
Forthcoming event: Breakfast Connections
Friday 19th June; 07:00hrs for 07:30hrs until approx 09.30hrs; Crowne Plaza, Birmingham City Centre
This event will be hosted by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. Paul Kehoe, chief executive of Birmingham International Airport, will be our guest speaker.
The extension to the runway at the airport is an issue of great importance to the region’s business future. Paul will be updating delegates on the background to the project and progress on the plans so far.
To book your place please contact Birmingham Chamber of Commerce on 0121 607 1772 or visit the website.
Photo: Paul Kehoe, chief executive of Birmingham International Airport
Forthcoming event: The Prince’s Trust
Thursday 18th June 2009; 17:30 for 18:00 hrs until approx 20:15 hrs; The McLaren Building, 35 Dale End, Birmingham, B4 7LN
Most have heard of The Prince’s Trust, and some are familiar with its activities, but misconceptions remain and many are unaware of its breadth and scope.
The Trust’s Birmingham Development Committee want to disprove many of these misconceptions and are holding an evening event where you can meet a range of young people who have been helped by The Trust.
You are bound to be impressed with these amazing young people who so honestly, and easily, demonstrate through their personal stories that it does not take a lot to change someone’s life - it just takes the willingness to do it.
To book a place at this free of charge event please contact laura@birminghamforward.co.uk.
Forthcoming event: Keynote Lunch with Kevin Morley
Tuesday 30th June; 12:00hrs for 12:30hrs until approx.14:30hrs; Crowne Plaza, Birmingham City Centre
Midlands based entrepreneur, Kevin Morley, will be the guest speaker at this Keynote Lunch.
Join us for a fascinating and revealing insight from one of the Midlands' most successful businessmen and entrepreneurs.
Kevin will be drawing on his vast experience gained during the 20th century working with some of the world’s biggest brands and will talk about how business can succeed in the 21st century.
In March this year, Kevin featured in Channel Four’s documentary series, The Secret Millionaire, in which he spent time looking and then helping various community based projects in Haringey in North London donating just under a quarter of a million pounds.
To make your booking please contact isabel@birminghamforward.co.uk.
Photo: Kevin Morley
Stuck for events space in the city?
Birmingham Forward Affiliate member Hyatt Regency Birmingham is delighted to offer a special day delegate rate for all Birmingham Forward & Future members in their wide range of meeting rooms, which are individually designed to cater for every type of event. Your conference and banqueting events will be planned to perfection for business or pleasure, including wedding receptions. The special Birmingham Forward / Future member rate is only £35 inc VAT per person. The usual rate is between £52 and £75 inc VAT per person. This package includes unlimited tea/coffee throughout the day, hot and cold buffet lunch at Aria restaurant, mineral water throughout the day, room hire and day car parking.
To make a booking please contact Martina Fajksova on 0121 643 1234 or via email on martina.fajksova@hyatt.com. For more information please visit www.birmingham.hyatt.com.
This rate is subject to availability and a minimum number of 10 delegates and includes standard equipment. This rate is valid from 1st May 2009 until 31st August 2009.
Photo: Events space at Hyatt Regency Birmingham
Project Argus: Protecting against terrorist attack
West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council, with support from Birmingham Retail Crime Operation and City Centre Partnership, are holding an event on protecting against terrorist attack.
Project ARGUS is an exercise using multi-media simulation. The simulation identifies the measures to take for mitigating against the effects, handling and recovering from a terrorist attack.
Dates: 18th June 09; 2nd July 09; 14th July 09; 3rd September 09*
* 3rd Sept session is specifically for licensed / entertainment premises
Times: Registration: 09:30hrs, Start: 10:00hrs prompt, Finish: 15:30hrs (refreshments and light lunch provided)
All Argus events are in the Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham B1 1BB
To book your place email emergencyplanning@birmingham.gov.uk with your contact details (full name, company, tel no). Your booking will be confirmed.
Birmingham Forward, One Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BD Telephone: +44 (0)121 632 2200 Fax: +44 (0)121 632 2201
