Welcome to the October e-Bulletin and may I start with an apology, for reasons that will become apparent as you read on we were unable to issue our September edition.
Now that the weather has really changed for Autumn it seems the promised ‘Indian Summer’ did not materialise so here we are working down the clock to the end of the year against a turbulent and uncertain business background.
We are critically aware of the pressures many of our member businesses are facing and we are adapting and refining both our events and our lobbying to ensure we are providing the most relevant and timely information back to you. A good example being the breakfast with Jeremy Beckwith of Kleinwort Benson’s presentation - the day after the collapse of Lehman Brothers.
For 2009 we are planning to keep our speakers and events as topical as possible to provide you with access and knowledge that others might envy.
News & Events
One Victoria Square - Update
You may know by now that our offices were flooded, by a rising fire main, on Monday 1st September. With the support of members and patrons we were operational in the Boardroom of one our patrons within an hour of being informed our offices were unusable. We had our IT systems operational by the following morning and we continue to operate from temporary offices at this time. Although we responded quickly and efficiently the same cannot be said of our landlord.
We are currently working from 3 Brindleyplace but do not have all our files or equipment with us. We anticipate our return to One Victoria Square will be over 29th & 30th October and of course will do everything possible to minimise disruption to our members and keep them informed of our situation.
As well as the filing and telephony issues, a real example of the problems we face is the updating of members information on our web site. As we were due to be back in our offices within two weeks we did not relocate the computer that has the specialist software to undertake this task. Apologies to members awaiting updates.
Finally, our thanks go to all those patrons and members who offered help but special thanks to those we utilised: Innovit; Kinetic Communications; Sir Robert McAlpine.
Colmore Business District BiD
We have now held two consultation events and around 100 people have attended to share their views. These forums provide an ideal opportunity to ensure we are focusing the BID on the correct priorities.
The third public meeting is a breakfast at Metro on Tuesday 28th October starting at 07:00. To book a place please email Claire Hawkins (Place are limited to businesses within the BID area and to two per firm – there is no charge for the event).
Conservative Party Conference
What a success for Birmingham. I am sure many of you attended either the conference or the myriad of fringe events that surrounded it. The city looked its best and the weather, for the most part, also helped. All the delegates and speakers I met were incredibly complimentary of both Birmingham and the welcome they received from our people.
Both Birmingham Forward and Birmingham Future took the opportunity to engage with a wide range of Conservatives through fringe events and one-to-one meetings. This afforded us a great opportunity to promote our sector, our members and our city.
The article by Matthew Parris (speaker at last year’s Gala Dinner) in last Wednesday’s Times is a great comparison between ourselves and Manchester with Birmingham really coming out on top (click here to read the full article). We look forward to the Conservatives return in 2010 and to Labour deciding, after their excellent Spring Conference here, to hold their main event in Birmingham.
Administrative Court
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As part of our campaign for a permanent High Court in Birmingham we have been granted an Administrative Court (part of The High Court) which will start sitting in Spring 2009. Together with our partners in Birmingham Law Society, the Barristers Chambers and Deloitte we are running a series of breakfast seminars to explain the various activities of the Administrative Court. The first was held last week at St.Philips Chambers and some 40 delegates were appraised of the Health & Social care aspects of the court.
The next breakfast event on the subject of Procurement Issues is being held on Thursday November 6th at Deloitte. Please see our website for booking details or email Isabel Drabble.
Common Purpose launches TheKNOW - new flexible senior leaders programme
TheKNOW is Common Purpose's new programme for senior leaders, which explores different leadership themes and real-life business challenges. Described as 'the street-smart' MBA', it gives a unique insight into Birmingham that will help you lead more effectively.
The programme starts in January 2009 and is open for applicants now. Anyone who would like more information should contact Common Purpose on 0121 625 3269 or Louise.teboul@commonpurpose.org.uk or visit www.commonpurpose.org.uk
Birmingham Business Leaders are All Shades of Green
Recycling is a big area of concern for city business leaders, as Birmingham City University reveals the results of their research to explore attitudes and perceptions surrounding green issues both at home and work. 97% of respondents cycle their household waste but want to see more done in the workplace.
Conducted online, more women than men responded to Birmingham City University's survey and 97% of the 26-35 year old age group proved to be the most active and interested in green issues. See the results in full at www.bcu.ac.uk/green
Focus on Forthcoming Events
Chairman's Gala Dinner
On 21st November, Chairman, Richard Edwards, Senior Practice Partner at Deloitte, will be holding our 2008 Chairman's Gala Dinner.
This year we have something for everyone. Set to be the highlight of the Forward event calendar the gala dinner promises to be both an interesting and entertaining evening for members and their partners, guests and corporate clients.
Our main guest speaker is Jeff Randall, one of the country’s highest profile and well respected business journalists. Jeff is an extremely experienced journalist who has the knack of getting the story nobody else can find. His long career in both print and broadcast journalism has seen him cover Business and Politics as well as Sport during his time as City Editor for The Sunday Times.
Top the night off with Birmingham’s number one corporate finance band ‘The Demons of Tune’. They are a unique thirteen piece band comprising lawyers, accountants, IT managers, antiquarians, financiers, bankers and recruiters, covering everything from Abba to The Kaiser Chiefs. If you haven't experienced them before, this is your chance.
For more information and ticket booking please contact Isabel Drabble on 0121 632 2204 or email here.
Our thanks go to this year's main sponsor Kleinwort Benson for their generous contribution to the evening.
Focus on Past Events
Michael Portillo - What Lies Ahead
This event took place on 1st October in partnership with Barclays Wealth where we were joined by over 200 guests in the glorious surroundings of the Town Hall.
Birmingham Forward member Angela Podmore, Managing Director from Kinetic Communications gave her review of the event:
"Anything that keeps my rapt attention for over four hours on a week night has got to be good and Birmingham Forward and Barclays Wealth did exactly that with their 'What Lies Ahead' event. It was insightful, thought-provoking and witty. Michael Portillo was great value as both a speaker and as 'ring master' for the open session that ensued with Gideon Rachman from the FT and David Smith from the Sunday Times. Three great minds debating exactly what's happening now, what it means and what will happen next. Gripping stuff."
Thank you Angela
If you would like to share your views on recent events and have the opportunity to be featured in our e.bulletin please email Isabel Drabble, Events Manager, on Isabel@birminghamforward.co.uk
New Member Welcome and Introduction
Brown Shipley
Brown Shipley is a private bank, providing banking investment management, fund management, pensions and advisory services for private, institutional and corporate clients.
Charles Fellowes
Charles Fellowes is a world-class provider of recruitment and search services. Working in partnership with their clients they aim to improve lives rather than simply changing them. Specialists in legal, technology, property, human resources, sales & marketing.
Eaton Ryan & Taylor
A civil & commercial solicitors litigation practice specialising in all aspects of dispute resolution.
Shine Business Research Limited
Shine is a market research based consultancy specialising in helping businesses to explore perceptions of their brand, identify competitive advantage, develop new services and deliver excellent customer satisfaction.
Smith & Williamson
Leading independent providers of investment management, accountancy, tax, corporate and financial advisory services to private clients, corporates, professional practices, and non-profit organisations.
Birmingham Forward, One Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BD
Telephone: +44 (0)121 632 2200 Fax: +44 (0)121 632 2201
