Leading expert on urban growth reflects on Birmingham

Birmingham Forward has invited the director of the thinktank, Centre for Cities, Dermot Finch, to the city in October to address its members. Sponsored by property developer and investor, Calthorpe Estates, the event which is part of the organisation's Keynote Lunch series, will take place in the Vista Suite at the newly refurbished Crowne Plaza Hotel on Thursday 23 October. During his address, Dermot will present his views and the latest research on the state of Britain's cities and the issues they face. He will draw on data contained within the Centre for Cities Outlook 2008 Report. In part this looks at the so called North/South divide and the impact this has on cities such as Birmingham and the West Midlands as a whole. Dermot Finch is an experienced and respected policy advisor and has fulfilled many high profile roles in government, including that of private secretary in both Ken Clarke's and Gordon Brown's ministerial teams. For three year's he worked at the British Embassy in Washington DC. As the Director for Centre for Cities, Dermot now leads an organisation that produces practical research on the economic drivers of urban growth and change and policy solutions for business, cities and Whitehall. Born in Lancashire, Dermot studied at both Liverpool University and Queen's University, Belfast. Commenting on the lunch, chairman of Birmingham Forward, Richard Edwards said; "I am delighted to welcome Dermot to Birmingham. With the city at an exciting and important time in terms of planning for the future, notably with the Big City Plan, I am sure that there will be much food for thought contained in his address to members. At Birmingham Forward, we believe that we should engage with a wide spectrum of views and expertise and there is no doubt that Dermot will be bringing an interesting perspective to the issues and opportunities we are facing in the city." Jayne Herritty, sales and marketing director of Calthorpe Estates, main sponsors of keynote lunch, said: "We are proud to be sponsors of this event. Dermot Finch is one of the country's leading experts on cities and as property developer and investors, we are looking forward to hearing his views on the future development of the City." "While much has been done already to enhance Birmingham over the last decade, we are now in the position to begin cementing its place as a leading UK city and it is essential that we all play our role in a shared vision for Birmingham and promote the prosperity and vibrancy the city has to offer." "This sponsorship is part of our ongoing relationship with Birmingham Forward and we look forward to what I know will be a stimulating event." Places for the keynote lunch are priced at £40.00 per person and can be booked online at http://www.birminghamforward.co.uk/events.cfm or by email to Isabel@birminghamforward.co.uk

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