e-bulletin - March 2007 | Birmingham Forward

News & Events

Welcome two new Patrons

Birmingham Forward welcomes two new Patrons to the organisation, Key Personnel and Stonemartin plc.

Key Personnel, is a family owned company that has been providing recruitment services to industry and commerce for over 24 years. Based in Waterloo Street, Birmingham, Key Personnel work with a wide range of businesses providing both permanent and temporary staff.

Stonemartin, was formed in 2001 in conjunction with the IOD to develop a portfolio of office spaces in key locations around the UK. Stonemartin own and operate One Victoria Square in Birmingham City Centre, home of the IOD Hub and the offices of Birmingham Forward.

Your opportunity to be part of the next Graduate Apprentice Programme

In 2006, our colleagues at Birmingham Future launched a unique programme aimed at graduates within the region. www.thegraduateapprentice.co.uk. The Graduate Apprentice was a UK first and has been a resounding success. As a consequence, the programme is being rolled out for a second year and Birmingham Future are looking for expressions of interest from Birmingham Forward members who would like to be a part of this year’s scheme.

At this stage, we are looking for companies, interested in taking part, to indicate the nature of the four month placement they can offer the Apprentice and where the apprenticeship will be based.

Successful companies will be asked to provide one third of the Apprentice’s one year salary and contribute £1000.00 to marketing costs. If you would like to know more or would like to submit your expression of interest then please contact Tim Rudman at Urban Communications – tim@urbancomms.com

AGM & Deal of the Year

The Annual General Meeting of Birmingham Forward will take place on Tuesday, March 27th at the Birmingham Hippodrome. The AGM will be followed by the Deal of the Year Awards Ceremony, sponsored by Deloitte and the Birmingham Post. Guest Speaker will be the Chairman of the Deal of the Year judging panel William McGrath, Chief Executive of AGA Foodservices Group and the ceremony will be compered by Adrian Goldberg.

Numbers are limited. To reserve your place please contact Isabel Drabble at the Birmingham Forward office or email Isabel@birminghamforward.co.uk

“A View from South Africa” - Thursday, March 29th 2007

Our colleagues at Birmingham Chamber of Commerce will be holding a half day seminar, including workshop sessions, aimed at companies looking to do business in South Africa. The event is organised in association with the Midlands World Trade Forum and UK Trade and Investment.

Places are available at £25.00 + vat for Chamber members and £35.00 + vat for non members, reservations can be made by contacting Jamie Podmore on 0121 450 4205 or online at www.birmingham-chamber.com

Looking to get the most from the 2012 Olympics - then learn more!

Advantage West Midlands, in conjunction with The West Midlands Leadership Group for the 2012 Games, are holding a one day conference on March 21st at Coventry’s RICOH Arena entitled “Prepare for 2012”.

The event will include a keynote address from the Minister for Sport, the Rt. Hon Richard Caborn MP, former Olympian Geoff Parsons and Mike Mulvey from London First, who will outline the specific opportunities that exist for business from the Games.

Delegates at the conference will find out the latest opportunities generated by the Games and the details of the West Midlands Plan for 2012.

The event is free and runs from 9.30am to 4.00pm. To register email sallygordon@advantagewm.co.uk or call 0121 503 3391.

The Corporate Arts Club…

Corporate Arts Club (CAC) is a new link Birmingham Forward has forged to provide benefits for our members. The Corporate Arts Club is an opportunity for people working in the private sector to have special FREE behind-the-scenes access to the city’s artistic offerings. Originally set up with Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, CAC has extended its reach and is particularly looking forward to working with Birmingham Forward and Future members.
The CAC invites you to their next event… The Arts mean business… a series of FREE workshops and presentations for businesses to explore how the arts can best build your brand, develop your people and reach out to your community. Click here to book your place now.

Cocktail Party at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Birmingham

We would like you to join us and our friends at the Radisson SAS Hotel for the first of their monthly post-work cocktail evenings for Birmingham Forward members. Being held on Friday 20th April, at The Bar, this is the perfect opportunity to unwind from your busy week and go home feeling a little more relaxed and ready to start the weekend.

Kathrine Ohm Thomas, General Manager of the Radisson SAS and her team will be waiting to welcome you for complimentary cocktails as a thank you for you past custom and an opportunity to get to know you better. We hope that you will join us again in the future and lets look forward to an enjoyable way to end your week.

Look out for your personal email invitation during March!

Awards & Achievements

Great news for Birmingham… The City Centre Partnership (CCP) has had one of the most succesful months since its inception, winning three new awards in as many weeks…

The joint City Council/CCP won the cleanest city and overall cleanest place in Britain
The Action Against Business Crime, Partnership Excellence Awards - Recognition for helping to make Broad Street a safer place.
The Cleaner Safer Greener Network Innovation Award for the high visibility City Centre Bus Patrols. The initiative has seen substantial reductions in street crime, anti-social behaviour and bus passengers fear of crime at bus stops.

Welcome new members…

People and Organisation works with individuals, teams and organisations in public, voluntary and private sectors in the UK and internationally. They help clients to enhance their capacity to continuously learn, change and respond to new challenges.

Watts Group plc are a firm of international property and construction consultants able to offer commercial building surveying, cost consultancy and project management from its network of regional offices throughout the UK and Europe.

Patrons