e-bulletin - July 2006 | Birmingham Forward

A message from CEO Richard Brennan

They think its all over – or is it? Ascot, The World Cup and Wimbledon have all finished, but this certainly does not mean that the summer is over!. Here we are in early July with some 6 more weeks of the summer, and school holidays, yet to come.

Our events programme reduces slightly to reflect this season, but we are still running a variety of useful and interesting events across the summer for those of you, like me, who will still be at your desks.

We are now working to develop our programme for the Autumn and Winter and we have a number of new streams and themes we want to promote. We are still developing this schedule and would be delighted to receive any ideas and suggestions from you – the members. Just send me an email and we will factor your suggestions into our review. Please respond by Friday 21st July to ensure your ideas are included.

News & Events

Regional Consultancy required for the development of a Science and Technology Park

A leading Consultancy is being sought to advise on the development of a Science & Technology Park. Expertise in the Science & technology sector is desirable. The successful firm would be asked to provide advice on:

Identification of demand
Site marketing
Master planning
Exon Modelling
Building the business case

Further details can be obtained from tony@medilinkwm.co.uk

Transport Innovation Fund

Tom Magrath, Chair of the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) Project Group for the West Midlands, briefed Forward members on the project which is currently developing a congestion feasibility study supported by the largest single funding award from TIF of £2.6m. With congestion projected to grow by 15% in the next five years and peak period traffic times anticipated to increase by between 20-35%, transport is the number one strategic issue in terms of improving business competitiveness.

Birmingham Forward is contributing to the work of the study and is keen to hear your views. Please e-mail info@birminghamforward.co.uk

The Diversity Practice Survey 2006

Birmingham is going to be the first minority, majority city in the UK by the year 2010. This will impact on every business - large or small and from every sector.

Birmingham Professional DiverCity, with support from Birmingham Forward, The Learning & Skills Council, Fair Cities Birmingham and AWM, are launching a survey to find out how companies are preparing to manage the rapidly changing demography of the city. Members are encouraged to take part in the survey which can be accessed by clicking here. The results of this survey will inform and contribute to the way diversity support is delivered in the future.

The Graduate Apprentice is rolling

Birmingham Future’s first ever Graduate Apprentice, Darvinder Kang, has started the first of his three placements. He began in June at Deloitte, Birmingham as a member of the Technology Advisory and Assurance department undertaking IT Audits. Darvinder’s opinion of his first three weeks as the Graduate Apprentice: “absolutely fantastic.”

The Graduate Apprentice will experience three diverse work placements during a 12 month's apprenticeship at Deloitte, NHS Finance and creative agency 3form.

Fergal – the Antiques Expert

At the recent Meet & Eat Lunch held at Jojolapa in Newhall Street, members were treated to a fascinating presentation by the Managing Director of Birmingham based Auctioneers Fellows & Sons.

In his presentation Stephen Whittaker described how he narrowly escaped the Tower of London when he sold a fake 'Prince Charles water colour' at public auction - a telephone call from a well known national newspaper ended his dreams of fame & fortune when they informed Stephen that the water colour was fake!

Stephen also tested the skills of the assembled guests at their ability to evaluate items of jewellery, including the ring pictured. Valuations for the ring ranged from a few pounds to tens of thousands. Fergal Dowling of Irwin Mitchell proved he could change careers and become an expert on the Antiques Roadshow by providing the closest value to the real worth of the diamond ring….. a staggering £57,000!

How brainy is your firm? Find out - the Birmingham Brain Game is back!

The sixth Birmingham Brain Game will be taking place at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham on October 11th.

The popular annual event was created to find out the brainiest companies in the region and to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care. In 2005, 49 teams from the city’s business community competed to win the trophy and title which after a close fought battle went to DLA Piper LLP.

Former BBC newsreader Martyn Lewis will be quizmaster again this year. To enter a team or for further details please e-mail Susan White, Fundraising Manager at Marie Curie Cancer Care or on 0121 254 7845 .

Birmingham’s latest venue to relax!

The Hyatt Regency Hotel in Birmingham is home to the city’s latest spa offering. The AMALA Spa & Club opens this summer as part of a £1 million pound investment by the hotel to offer one of the country’s leading urban spas. In addition to the existing swimming pool and gym, a new Hamman (Turkish bath) has been built along with seven rooms offering a wide range of body treatments. A Tea Lounge offering teas from all corners of the world has also been opened.

Brummies have best Taste in Britain!

Over 18,000 visitors attended the inaugural ‘Taste of Birmingham’ event, which took place over four days from 6th to 9th July at Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham. This outdoor festival of food, drink and music saw over 50,000 signature dishes from the city’s top 20 restaurants tasted.

On Thursday night the Taste of Birmingham restaurant awards, hosted by Antony Worrall-Thompson and ITV Central’s Joanne Malin took place in front of a VIP audience. The awards were presented as follows;

Best Newcomer - Opus
Best Out Of Town - Bell and Cross
Best Family - Bar Estilo
Best Service - Lasan
Best Business Lunch - Bank
Best Wine List - Hotel Du Vin
Best Restaurant of 2006 - Simpsons

Neil Rami, chief executive, Marketing Birmingham said: “Taste of Birmingham was a fabulous event for the city, and should be proud of its record breaking visitor numbers. The restaurants put on the best of their signature dishes for the city, showing off the great range of culinary talent in Birmingham. We’re already hungry for more!”
Birmingham Forward extends it's congratulations to the winners of the restaurant awards.

New members

Birmingham Forward would like to welcome the following new members;

Appraisal 360 are providers of internet based 360 degree feedback solutions for personal and professional development.

Big Cat Group is an intelligent marketing services, events and creative consultancy with a fresh, flexible and unrestricted approach.

Buro Happold Limited aims to produce high quality engineering design in concept, in detail and in execution, on time, to programme and delivering excellent value for money.

Leadership Management UK has been producing measurable results for business since it was founded in 1966. The LMI process targets the development of leadership, management and sales skills, which include time management, personal and organisational goal setting.

Patrons