Quarter Life – Spring 2014

issue three / spring 2014

GET CONNECTED SUPERFAST BROADBAND OPTIONS FOR JQ BUSINESSES HEALTHY OUTLOOK TAKING STEPS TOWARDS A HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER YOU

GRAND DESIGNS

creative couple transform a former factory into their dream home

LIVE LEARN WORK VISIT

JEWELLERY QUARTER www.jewelleryquarter.net

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE JEWELLERY QUARTER

BMW 520d M Sport

Sytner Birmingham

The Ultimate Driving Machine

THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN. THE BMW 520d M SPORT SALOON. The BMW 520d M Sport Saloon really is something very special. With sumptuous refinement, superb performance and impressive efficency you find it sparkles on all levels. Available with equally alluring finance from Sytner Birmingham discover it for yourself today. Simply visit or call 0121 234 6000.

BMW Select finance representative example for the BMW 520d M Sport Saloon

Term of agreement

47 monthly payments

On the road cash price*

Customer deposit

Dealer deposit contribution

Total deposit

Total amount of credit

48 Months

£379.00

£34,765.00

£3,000.00

£4,525.27

£7,525.27

£27,239.73

Credit Option to arrangement purchase fee^ fee^^

Optional final payment^^

Total amount payable

Rate of interest

£0.00

£13,315.50

£38,663.77

4.9% fixed

£10.00

Representative 4.9 % APR

Sytner Birmingham

BMW ECONOMICS.

20 Parade, Summerhill, Birmingham B1 3QJ 0121 234 6000 www.sytnerbirminghambmw.co.uk Official fuel economy figures for the BMW 520d M Sport Saloon: Urban 52.3mpg (5.4l/100km). Extra Urban 70.6mpg (4.0l/100km). Combined 62.8mpg (4.5l/100km). CO2 emissions 129g/km.

Finance example is based on BMW Select Agreement for the model stated: a BMW 520d M Sport Saloon with a contract mileage of 32,000 and an excess mileage charge of 9.30 pence (per mile). *On the road cash price is based on manufacturer’s recommended retail price and includes 3 year BMW Dealer Warranty, BMW Emergency Service, 12 months’ road fund licence, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and VAT. ^^Option to purchase fee (£10.00) and optional final payment payable at the end of the agreement if you decide to purchase the vehicle. Excess mileage charges and vehicle condition charges may be payable if you return the vehicle. Vehicles must be registered by 31 March 2014. Prices are correct at time of publication March 2014 and are subject to change without notice. Retail customers only. Finance is subject to status and available to over 18's in the UK only (excluding The Channel Islands or Isle of Man). Guarantees and indemnities may be required. We can arrange finance for you. We are not an independent financial advisor. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders to assist with your purchase, who may pay us for introducing you to them.

Advertised finance is provided by BMW Financial Services (BMW FS) Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire RG27 9UF. We commonly, but not exclusively, introduce customers to BMW Financial Services. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice.

WELCOME TO THE THIRD ISSUE OF QUARTERlife THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE JEWELLERY QUARTER.

T LIVE LEARN WORK VISIT

his year sees substantial investment in the Jewellery Quarter with a number of developments taking place across the Quarter.

The variety of projects ensure that the Quarter continues to build on its unique and quirky Luke Crane, character. The most significant JQ BID manager enhancement is the construction of the Golden Square (pg 6) – a new open space that is due to open later this year. This new square will be animated with markets, festivals and events delivered by the JQ BID and Birmingham City Council. It will provide a focal point, a meeting place and a place to sit and take in the atmosphere of the area.

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE JEWELLERY QUARTER

on the cover Nigel Ireland and his partner Kate Wilkins are renovating a former factory in the Jewellery Quarter.

Turn to page 18 to find out more.

The JQ BID has extensive plans to maximise the use of the square and increase visitor levels. Businesses are also being given a further boost as Digital Birmingham launches its connectivity voucher scheme (pg 14) to help with the cost of installing the infrastructure for high-speed broadband.

next issue

A key focus for the JQ BID this year is the promotion of the Quarter as an exciting and unique place to spend time in, offering a wide range of things to see and do from shops, museums, bars, cafes and restaurants through to salons, gyms and alternative therapy providers. Our eight-page pull-out guide details Jewellery Quarter businesses that can help improve your health and wellbeing with helpful hints and tips to improve mind, body and soul from local experts.

ENJOY A DAY OUT IN THE JEWELLERY QUARTER

Thought the Jewellery Quarter was just full of jewellery shops?

Think again.

The Quarter is now home to over 6,000 residents and we want to encourage them to take advantage of all the area has to offer. They don’t have to go into the city centre for a facial or massage when they have an awardwinning salon just around the corner.

With museums, galleries and lots of heritage sites, plus a thriving social scene, why not make a day of it?

I was really interested to hear about two of our residents, Kate and Nigel (pg 18) who chose to renovate a former silversmiths factory into their home, as well as creating opportunities for SMEs in the future.

In the next issue of QUARTERlife, we will explore the area’s visitor attractions.

Please email laura@barquespr.co.uk to see how you can get involved.

enjoy!

QUARTERlife

SPRING 2014

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5

NEWS Heritage Lottery Funding secured, BLOC Hotel expansion, and localgiving.com launched.

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GOING FOR GOLD Everything you need to know about the Golden Square public realm scheme.

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FLEXIBLE OFFICE OPTIONS Explore The Argent Centre and hear from a happy tenant.

Editor: Laura Butler laura@barquespr.co.uk 0121 233 2080

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A MATCH MADE IN HOCKLEY A successful working relationship between AE Harris and Stan’s Cafe.

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INNOVATION IE Design.

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ISSUE THREE SPRING 2014

Advertising: Jilly Cosgrove jilly@barques.co.uk 0121 233 2080 Design & Art Direction: Lee Haynes

AFFORDABLE ART FOR ALL The RBSA celebrates the 200th anniversary of its first exhibition.

Photography: Lee Haynes Contributors: Alexandra Taylor

MIND BODY & SOUL QUARTERlife’s guide to all the businesses in the Jewellery Quarter that can help to improve your health and wellbeing.

QUARTERLife

OUR EIGHT-PAGE PULL-OUT GUIDE

to all the businesses in the Jewellery Quarter that can help to improve your health and wellbeing.

Chris Harris and Alex Gibbs, Harris & Gibbs Dr Kristen Widdowson, Hockley Medical Practice Max Rathbone, Off Key Tattoo Studio Mark Wilson Neil Perkins, Fighting Fit City Gym Sandy Sandhu, The Skin Practice

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BEAT THE BROADBAND BLUES Help is at hand for local businesses looking for high-speed broadband connections.

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LIFE THROUGH A LENS JQ BID levy payer dinner and ‘People, Pens and Production in Birmingham’s Steel Pen Trade’ book launch.

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CARVING A FUTURE IN THE JEWELLERY QUARTER A creative couple transform a former factory into their dream home.

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TRY SOMETHING NEW A taste of the workshops and courses available across the Jewellery Quarter.

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Discover the Jewellery Quarter locations being used as the backdrop for hit TV shows.

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COMPETITIONS Win! A cask of JQ ale and CAMRA festival tickets or a cut, colour and hair conditioning treatment.

CONTACT US For Jewellery Quarter BID enquiries: luke.crane@jqdt.org 0121 233 2814

A magazine by:

www.jewelleryquarter.net

Designed and produced by:

www.barques.co.uk

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QUARTERlife

SPRING 2014

NEWS

JUST AROUND THE BLOC

JQDT WINS FIRST ROUND OF FUNDING APPLICATION

Since opening in 2011, BLOC in Caroline Street has been welcoming guests who enjoy the hotel’s smart, Japanese pod-style accommodation.

The Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) has been successful in the first round of a potential award of a staggering £2 million Townscape Heritage grant, which assists communities in the regeneration of conservation areas.

The grant, awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, could see a total of 16 listed buildings benefit from much-needed renovation and the repairing of lost features, which will ensure their heritage is maintained.

An award of £36,000 in development funding has been secured to work up the application that will potentially access a further £1.9 million under the Town Heritage Initiative.

The JQDT will be working with partners in the community, including Birmingham City Council and English Heritage, over the next five years to access the £2 million if approved, and to then bring in further funding to the area around Vittoria Street, Frederick Street, Albion Street and Legge Lane.

DONATIONS WELCOME

It has been so successful that it has now been given planning approval to extend into an adjoining building on Northwood Street where the hotel hopes to set new standards in ‘aparthotel’ accommodation for longer stays.

BLOC, which received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013, has been developed close to quality bars, restaurants and shops and is a short walk from local transport links and Birmingham city centre.

The hotel negotiates special deals with local establishments that it believes guests would enjoy. It has also introduced corporate packages that enable business users to experience the great food and entertainment that can be found nearby.

BLOC Birmingham is offering QUARTERlife readers a special rate of 20% off its website rates. The offer is valid for stays until 31st August 2014. To take advantage of the offer, enter promotional code JQRBIRM at www.blochotels.com. Subject to availability.

The Jewellery Quarter Development Trust is now registered with localgiving.com, where people can make a one-off donation or set up a monthly direct debit. The money will support initiatives to improve the Jewellery Quarter for the benefit of all who visit or live, work and learn within the area.

Visit www.localgiving.com/charity/jewelleryquarter for more information.

QUARTERlife

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GOING FOR

MITC H & CO EL .

LUNC HI

GOLD POST OFFI CE

THE BIG

WARSTONE LANE

ULD ONLG INE.C OM WARSTO CAFE NE

As construction starts on the Golden Square – a £1.6m public realm space on Warstone Lane – QUARTERlife explains what local businesses and visitors can expect from the scheme.

PEG

THE ROSE VILLA TAVERN

VYSE STRE ET

Masterplan drawing supplied by Capita.

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WHAT IS THE GOLDEN SQUARE?

Ben Green, of SP Green & Co., said: “Golden Square is going to be great for the Jewellery Quarter. It will help draw employees out of their offices at lunchtime and be a pleasant area for visitors which, in turn, will give the surrounding businesses a welcome boost. Besides St Paul’s Square, there aren’t many green spaces in the area so residents will also benefit from the outdoor space.”

A new £1.6 million, 43,055 sq ft public realm space in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter. The square will be located on the site of the former car park outside The Big Peg office scheme, Jewellery Quarter police station and The Rose Villa Tavern pub on the corner of Vyse Street and Warstone Lane.

The scheme – part of Birmingham’s Big City Plan – will create a focal point for the Jewellery Quarter and provide a flexible space to host events and encourage more footfall into the area.

WHAT WILL THE SCHEME INCLUDE?

The space, designed by Capita, will be split into three areas – the orchard, the plaza and the promenade.

The orchard will comprise a green area where visitors, residents and local workers can relax surrounded by traditional fruit trees.

The plaza provides a flexible space for a range of exciting events, showcasing what the Jewellery Quarter has to offer. This area will also comprise suspended catenary lighting and a showcase retail unit adjoining the pub.

The promenade is a wider walkway area providing access to the shops and cafes in The Big Peg and offering people a vantage point to watch the activities on the plaza.

Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The Jewellery Quarter is a well-known part of the city and is famous worldwide for showcasing its silversmith skills.

Now a new public realm space can be added to its attraction.

I’m sure this will be beneficial to both local people and business, while enhancing what is already a very pleasant part of the city.”

HOW IS IT BEING FUNDED?

The scheme is funded by Birmingham City Council, European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Planning Gains Section 106 money.

WILL THE BUSINESSES BE OPEN AS USUAL?

Yes, access points have been put in place around the hoarding with clear signage to direct regular and potential customers to the shops and cafes.

Balfour Beatty – the contractors – will also ensure shop frontages remain dust-free and that windows are protected from debris while construction is being carried out.

HOW WILL THE DESIGN BE SENSITIVE TO THE JEWELLERY QUARTER’S HERITAGE?

The area’s stunning architecture is one of its many assets so great care has been taken to ensure the look and feel of the space, and the materials used, are in keeping with the rest of the Quarter.

Every element of the design has a link to the area’s history. For example, the trees in the orchard replicate when every house would have had fruit trees in the gardens during the war; the blue bricks used in the plaza area are used across the Quarter, and the design lines point towards the goldfields of San Francisco.

WHEN FINISHED, WHAT WILL THE SPACE BE USED FOR?

Golden Square will become an exciting new landmark for the Jewellery Quarter, providing a central meeting place for residents, visitors and local employees alike, as well as a great space for a regular programme of events throughout the year.

WHERE CAN BUSINESS OWNERS FIND MORE INFORMATION?

Updates will be available at www.jewelleryquarter.net, by following @JQDTBirmingham on Twitter and in future issues of QUARTERlife .

WHEN WILL IT BE FINISHED?

There will be seven phases of construction, with a proposed completion date of mid-October 2014.

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flexible

OFFICE OPTIONS

QUARTERlife discovers how a former pen factory now offers flexible office space to support SMEs.

meet a tenant ANDREW MACKLIN, DIRECTOR OF K3 CONSULTING, ON WHY HE CHOSE THE ARGENT CENTRE. 8

Andrew, tell us about your company:

What brought you to The Argent Centre?

K3 Consulting was founded in 1997 and has always been based in the Jewellery Quarter.

Our team of architects offer a complete service from concepts to project completion.

Our portfolio consists of industrial and commercial buildings, ranging from projects worth anything from £100,000 to £7 million, across the UK.

We moved into The Argent Centre in February 2013 from an office in St Paul’s Square because our space requirements had changed. The building offered value for money and greater flexibility. Our office provides ample space for our current team of four but also allows us to accommodate more people if needed.

QUARTERlife

SPRING 2014

Built in 1863, the Albert Works on Frederick Street was home to W E Wiley’s gold pen factory, complete with a Turkish bath, which was heated by the steam from the factory. The pens retailed at five shillings each - just 25p in today’s currency!

Following the demise of the pen company, the Grade II* listed building was renamed The Argent Centre and restored by Midlands Industrial Association Ltd (MIA Ltd) in 1993 to provide 35 office units.

Over the past decade, the rear of the building has been extended to provide an additional 10 workspaces in the New Wing and The Albert Wing provides 16 office units and two retail units.

The building is now home to The Pen Museum and more than 35 businesses from a range of sectors including creative – architects, photographers, graphic designers and musicians – and professional services.

MIA Ltd aims to meet businesses needs by letting office units on a low risk, easy in-easy out, monthly licence

agreement inclusive of service charges and buildings insurance and, in some cases, rates and heating and electricity usage.

David Prince, director of The Argent Centre, said: “Our aim is to encourage the growth of small businesses with 1-10 employees. Tenants can easily expand within the building or equally vacate the office with just one month’s notice if their venture doesn’t take off.

“By the very nature of the licence agreements, there is a regular flow of units ready for immediate occupation.

However, we are currently 87% let with tenants who foresee The Argent Centre as their permanent base.

“As well as the low risk on rents, occupants can also benefit from free parking on site, fast broadband speed connections and the wealth of local amenities available in the Jewellery Quarter.”

To enquire about available office space, please email direct@prince-warnes.com or call David Prince on 0121 233 2232.

The Argent Centre is just one of many office schemes in the Jewellery Quarter. If you’re looking to set up a business and would like to know more about the area, please email Luke Crane, JQ BID manager, at luke.crane@jqdt.org.

What do you like most about being based in the Jewellery Quarter?

The area is known for its architecture – do you have a favourite building?

What would you like to see happen to the derelict buildings in the area?

We are part of a thriving community of professionals and, with the mix of businesses moving into the area, alongside more residents and retail and leisure operators, it makes for an exciting place to work. We are also within walking distance of Birmingham city centre, which is a big advantage.

The School of Jewellery in Vittoria Street.

It’s a great example of a respectful, modern extension of an old building.

There are many attractive buildings that have sadly been neglected over the years, so I hope any new developments will retain the historical heritage of the buildings while providing a more sustainable use. The area is known for its jewellery trade but I wouldn’t want the likes of Warstone Lane and Vyse Street to become more commercialised.

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A H C T A M IN E D A M

L K C HO

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“We have good personal relationships with the team at AE Harris,” said Charlotte Martin, general manager at Stan’s Cafe. “Their support has been reflected in the reasonable rates they charge us.”

John is just as positive about the arrangement.

“They never ask us to do something for nothing.

Whenever we help them out, there’s always a box of chocolates or some beer to say thank you, and tickets to all their shows,” he explained.

It’s also been good for business.

Alexandra Taylor looks at an unusual relationship between an arts group and a metal pressing company in the Jewellery Quarter.

Y E L

“We get our company name on all their marketing material, and a wide range of people come to their productions, including location managers,” said John.

“This has resulted in our building being used as a backdrop for TV series such as Land Girls, Doctors and Hustle, and we’ve manufactured items for the film Prometheus.”

B

usiness and the arts are not obvious bedfellows, yet when two organisations in the Jewellery Quarter were thrown together six years ago, they developed an unlikely partnership that has blossomed into a successful relationship.

Performance company Stan’s Cafe (pronounced “caff”) has been creating innovative artistic projects in Birmingham since 1991. In 2008, it secured Arts Council funding for acclaimed work ‘Of all the People in all the World’ and began to search for a suitable presentation space.

At the same time, metal pressing firm AE Harris, which has been based in the Jewellery Quarter for more than 130 years, decided to reorganise its business operations and leave part of its site at 110 Northwood Street empty.

Our building [has been] used as a backdrop for TV series such as Land Girls, Doctors and Hustle, and we’ve manufactured items for the film Prometheus. John Stan’s Cafe asked the company if it would consider licensing the space to them. “I figured half a loaf is better than no loaf at all,” said John Sloyan, managing director of AE Harris.

What began as a 10-week arrangement back in 2008 proved to be so successful that it turned into a two-year commitment on a rolling contract. Both parties stress the importance of good communication and mutual respect.

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SPRING 2014

John believes that the support of Stan’s Cafe has also boosted business across the Jewellery Quarter. “The footfall for their productions has been considerable and has benefited a lot of local pubs, restaurants and galleries,” he said.

But even in the happiest of partnerships, change is inevitable.

Last year, as demand for their own work continued to increase both nationally and internationally, Stan’s Cafe decided to reduce the size of the space it rented from AE Harris to have a more focused 50-seater performance space.

Serendipitously, AE Harris had just secured a contract for a new product and was trying to work out where to house its production. So, the industrial machines moved back in and Stan’s Cafe reduced the size of its performance space and continued to occupy an office.

Both parties are positive about their successful relationship. “It’s not a formula that can be easily reproduced, but it’s a good example of partnership working,” said Charlotte.

John agreed: “I would definitely encourage other firms thinking of working with arts organisations to go for it. It’s been a blast.” alexandrataylorblog.blogspot.co.uk @AlexinBrum

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INNOVATION

ONE IN A BILLION An award-winning design agency has created an innovative app for a Christian charity that aims to help it reach one billion people.

IE Design Consultancy, based on Warstone Lane, was asked by Coleshillbased international charity, Christian Vision, to help it to measure its objective to touch a billion lives with their message by 2020.

The experts at IE, which is celebrating its 20th year in business, created LiveStats – a responsive data dashboard app that enables the charity to track – 36 seconds behind

real time – users engaging with the charity via 37 international websites and six social media platforms.

Quarter we’re surrounded by creatives and craftspeople so it’s felt like home from the day we launched in 1994.”

The hugely successful app has dramatically increased the visibility and understanding of the charity’s global digital footprint.

The company, which employs more than 25 people, specialises in brand strategy, marketing insight and digital solutions for the charity, healthcare and education sectors.

Ollie Leggett, founder and managing director of IE, said: “IE stands for Innovation and Expertise. Here in the Jewellery

www.iedesign.co.uk

Visit www.jewelleryquarter.net/directory for a full list of creative agencies in the Jewellery Quarter.

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QUARTERlife

SPRING 2014

MIND BODY & SOUL QUARTERlife’s guide to all the businesses

in the Jewellery Quarter that can help to improve your health and wellbeing.

QUARTERlife

SPRING 2014

Everyone needs (and deserves) a little time to themselves to relax and forget about their troubles.

Whether it’s a trip to the hair or beauty salon, the gym, a tattoo studio or even a clinic to relieve an injury or pain, you’ll find lots of opportunities for some ‘me time’ in the Jewellery Quarter.

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A LT E R N AT I V E THERAPIES 1

Aquido 17c Vyse Street www.aquido.co.uk Colonic hydrotherapy 2

Birmingham Central Acupuncture 90 Vyse Street www.bcentralclinic.com 3

Birmingham Community Acupuncture Room 606b, The Big Peg, 120 Vyse Street www.bcacupuncture.co.uk

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Habits of the Heart with Apagé Workplace Initiative 167 Newhall Street www.awi.org.uk A practical interpersonal development course designed to help you embrace new skills and discover a sense of balance, purpose and spiritual energy in your busy working life.

Transformational Breathe 14 Hylton Street www.birminghambreathes.co.uk

A de-stressing therapy that uses a conscious breathing technique along with gentle, hands-on pressure to tight muscles and blocked areas of the body that affect your full, open breathing pattern.

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JQ Therapy Room 737, The Big Peg, 120 Vyse Street www.jqtherapy.co.uk Hypnotherapist

BEAUTY AND S PA T R E AT M E N T S

Lily May Wellbeing 39 Vittoria Street www.lilymay-wellbeing.co.uk 10

Luminious 12a Legge Lane 11

Miss Couture Beauty & Laser Clinic 28-29 Tenby Street www.miss-couture.co.uk 12

7 Beauty in the Courtyard 32 Hall Street

www.beautyinthecourtyard.co.uk 8

Eugenie’s Beauty 18 Albion Street Eugenie’s Beauty

by Sharmaine

QUARTERlife

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SPRING 2014

Pure De’Vine nail salon 53 Vyse Street www.puredevinebirmingham.co.uk 13

Red Diamond Room 714-715, The Big Peg, 120 Vyse Street www.reddiamondipl.co.uk Laser hair removal

the secret to smooth skin Skin expert Sandy Sandhu looks at the latest beauty product that aims to make skin ‘celebrity-smooth’.

The Skin Practice, Northampton Street

The Skin Practice and Bitty Brow Bar is a new beauty salon that has opened in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter.

Owned by expert skin therapist Sandy Sandhu, the clinic offers a wide range of skin and beauty treatments.

Sandy, who relocated from Kent to the Jewellery Quarter, describes the clinic as “an anti-ageing haven”, thanks to its skincare lines, treatments and supplements that are formulated by plastic surgeons and top nutritionists.

If offers a personalised anti-ageing regime to suit all budgets and lifestyles, and is also the only clinic in the city centre to stock Skinade, the latest anti-ageing product that celebrities are using to stay looking young.

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The Salon Birmingham 5 Ansty Court, 24 Caroline Street www.thesalonbirmingham.co.uk 15

The Secret Satori Spa Room 208b, The Big Peg, 120 Vyse Street www.secretsatorispa.com 16

The Skin Practice 38 Northampton Street www.theskinpractice.com 17

The Spa @ University College Birmingham Richmond House, Newhall Street Call 0121 604 1020 to book.

Hair, beauty and sports therapy treatments carried out by trained students. Open during term time.

A collagen-based drink used by Harley Street dermatologists, Skinade is said to work from the inside out to rebuild and strengthen the collagen matrix of the inner layer of the skin, called the dermis.

Sandy said each bottle of Skinade contains hydrolysed marine collagen, vitamin C, omega 3 & 6, vitamin B complex, dietary MSM, and essential amino acid L-lysine, all of which are said to boost natural levels of hydration and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

The skin expert recently appeared on Brit Asia’s talk show Rendezvous (Sky channel 833) to discuss cosmetic surgery.

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D E N TA L C A R E 18 Mark Cleary Dental 11g Pitsford Street www.markclearydental.co.uk 19

St Paul’s Dental Practice Studio 1, 51 St Paul’s Square www.dazzlingsmile.co.uk

FITNESS 20

AbeizaBodyZone Room 301b, The Big Peg, 120 Vyse Street www.abeizabodyzone.co.uk Personal trainer

QUARTERlife

Arch 20 Muscle and Fitness Gym 20 Lionel Street www.arch20musclehealthfitness.com 22

BoxFit Studio 1 Argent Centre, Unit 204 Frederick Street www.boxfitstudio.com 23

Bushido Academy Units 303 & 304, The Argent Centre, 60 Frederick Street www.bushidoacademy.co.uk Martial Arts classes 24

Cobra Thai 21a Vittoria Street www.birminghammuaythai.com

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COOL Pilates Studio Studio 4, Newhall Place, Newhall Hill www.coolpilates.co.uk 26

Elite Fitness and Martial Arts 124 Barr Street www.elitefma.com 27

Fearless Mixed Martial Arts 19 Kenyon Street Fearless-MMA 28

Fit Body Bootcamp 15 Livery Street www.ukfitbodybootcamp.co.uk

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Fighting Fit City Gym Cornwall House, 31 Lionel Street www.fightingfitcitygym.com 30

Green Apple Nutrition Ltd Suite 416, 95 Spencer Street Nutritional therapist 31

Osmosis Health Studio 21a Vittoria Street www.osmosislifestyle.co.uk

get fit fast

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Looking to get fit? Neil Perkins gives his five top tips to maximise your workout in minimum time.

Fighting Fit City Gym, Cornwall House, 31 Lionel Street We’re all busy with work and social commitments, so it’s time to think smarter to get the weight loss, improved fitness and improved body tone we want.

1. TRAIN YOUR LEGS

Your thighs are your biggest muscle group in the body, while the glutes, which make up most of your buttocks, is the biggest single muscle. Do circuit jumps, bounds and explosive leg movements to fire your leg muscle fibres (running doesn’t count, I’m afraid) and use weights to squat, lunge and deadlift.

2 . I N C LU D E M U LT I - J O I N T C O M P O U N D M OV E M E N T S

Multi-joint compound movements involve exercising several muscle groups at once, which is more effective than exercising individual muscles separately and yields faster results. For example, the press-up on the TRX Row will work the chest, shoulder, triceps, several back muscles and biceps.

Platinum Fitness & Sports LTD 21a Vittoria Street www.platinumptstudio.com 33

The Eagle Kickboxing Academy 10 Sloane Street www.eaglekickboxing.co.uk 34

Wing Chun Kung Fu School 64 Northampton Street www.ukwingchun.com 35

Yoga Haven 64 Livery Street www.yogahaven.co.uk/Birmingham

HAIR 36

3. BLOOD SHUNTING CIRCUITS WORK WONDERS

Working circuits, where you shift from exercises that involve upper body pushing movements, upper body pull movements, and then a lower body movement, will make your heart work harder. It gives you cardiovascular conditioning as you work those muscles.

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4. GET SOME CARDIO IN

Cardio melts away fat so it is important to combine the weights and circuits with high intensity cardio to burn maximum calories. Boxing is a popular workout: you don’t realise how hard you’re working.

5. TRAIN WITH INTENSITY

Maximise your time in the gym and train hard, focusing on your end goal. Classes and personal training are great because they push you to your limits.

QUARTERlife

Advanced Hair Studio Central House, 8 Graham Street www.advancedhair.co.uk Hair replacement clinic

SPRING 2014

Blessing Hairdressing 67 Great Hampton Street

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Celebritiez Unisex Hair Salon 14 Hockley Hill celebritiezunisex celebritiezbarbers 39

Dan-Shy Gents Hairdressers First Floor, 7 Warstone Lane 40

Gleam Hair Studios 4 Branston Street www.gleamhairstudios.co.uk 41

Hair City One Suite 8, The Albert Wing, Legge Lane

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Jake’s Barbers 50 - 54 St Paul’s Square www.jakesbarbers.com 43

New Beginnings Hair Studio Room 305f, The Big Peg, 120 Vyse Street NBHairstudiouk 44

Oliver James Salon Blackthorne House, Mary Ann Street www.oliverjamessalon.co.uk 45

Orb Hair Salon 18 Albion Street www.orbhairsalon.co.uk

HAIR AND BEAUTY

Pickles & Co 22 Kenyon Forge, Kenyon Street www.picklesandco.com

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Angels of Anarchy 15 Augusta Street www.angelsofanarchy.co.uk

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Platinum Hair Studio Unit C, 37 Hall Street

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Concept Hair & Beauty 52 Spencer Street

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RJ Barbers Corner of Spencer Street and Hockley Street www.rjs-barbers.co.uk

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Dale Hairdressing 21 Caroline Street www.dalehairdressing.co.uk

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The Style Lounge 87 Vyse Street mobilehairdresserbirmingham.co.uk 50

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Harris & Gibbs 17-21 Warstone Lane www.harrisandgibbs.com

Xtremes Hair Studio 18 Albion Street

Thinking about an image overhaul for the new season?

Or maybe you just need a little advice before going for the chop?

Chris Harris and Alex Gibbs offer some advice for fashionistas!

Harris & Gibbs, 17-21 Warstone Lane

BE INSPIRED

CELEBRITY STEALS

Do stylists hate clients bringing in photos? No – we love it! We live in a world where we all know what we want and go and get it, so treat your hair in the same way. If we think it won’t suit you, we’ll tell you, and we’re always happy to offer our ideas and show you the latest hair trends.

Keep things simple for any glitzy occasion with 90s-style slicked hair. Yes, ladies, it’s not just for the gents. Worn by celebrities such as Rosie Huntington-Whitely, this super sexy look can be worn totally sleek, as seen on the Victoria’s Secret Angel, or with a wave.

BE BOLD WITH COLOUR

PIXIE CHIC

Don’t say “same again” because you’re scared of change because even a small change can make you feel different about the way you look and feel. However, we all know it’s the big changes that will make the most impact! Why not go for this season’s colours of antique golden copper blonde, worn by Paloma Faith, or add some spice with fiery paprika tones?

Jennifer Lawrence now sports a super chic pixie cut, which is a massive change for the star but we think it deserves a big thumbs up. It is a beautifully versatile hairstyle that flatters most face shapes and shows how your hair works perfectly when it matches your personality!

QUARTERlife

SPRING 2014

Dr Kristen Widdowson explains why it’s important to get those niggling coughs and concerns checked.

Hockley Medical Centre, 60 Lion Court, Carver Street Spring is finally here, so now is the time to tackle that thing … you know, the thing that has been in the back of your mind for quite a while and has been concerning you more than you are letting on.

habit has changed? What is that lump? My relative has a raised cholesterol/blood sugar/ blood pressure, should I get mine checked?

My relative has a disease; what’s the risk I have it or may develop it?

I don’t mean the New Year’s resolutions to stop smoking, lose weight and exercise better – those things that will extend your life expectancy and reduce your risk of disease significantly.

I meet people every day who ask these kinds of questions and others, but more importantly I don’t make sinister diagnoses every day, let alone every week.

I mean the other things – the one sign or symptom that Google can’t sort out for you.

I relish these opportunities to help them to get checked out and promote their quest for health and wellbeing.

The questions such as: is it OK that my mole has changed? Is my cough going to settle or does it need further investigation? Does it matter that my bowel/bladder/menstruation

It makes them feel better – just imagine how much better you’ll feel, too.

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H E A LT H C E N T R E 55

Hockley Medical Centre 60 Lion Court, Carver Street www.hockleymedicalpractice.co.uk

MAKE-UP AND MAKEOVERS 56

Agadir Spa Room 766, The Big Peg, 120 Vyse Street www.agadirspa.co.uk Moroccan-inspired beauty treatments

Alyn Waterman Makeup & Hair Studio 44 Vyse Street Alyn Waterman Makeup & Hair Studio 58

Aspire Studios 15 Lionel Street www.aspiremakeover.com Makeover and photography 59

Arman Milind 22 Vyse Street www.armanmilind.com Make-up Artist

QUARTERlife

Magical Dream Studios 8-9 Warstone Lane www.magicaldreamstudios.co.uk 61

Mesmerize Makeover Studio 94-108 Northwood Street www.mesmerizemakeover.co.uk 62

Odana Studio Room 614, The Big Peg, 120 Vyse Street www.odanastudio.co.uk 63

Raj Dhillon 115 Warstone Lane www.rajdhillonmua.com Specialises in Asian bridal make-up and hair

SPRING 2014

PHYSIOTHERAPY AND CHIROPRACTIC T R E AT M E N T S 64

Back Track Chiropractic 52 Vyse Street www.backtrackchiro.co.uk 65

H2O Physio Vittoria House, 1-7 Vittoria Street www.h2o-physio.co.uk 66

OptiSpine Vittoria House, 1-7 Vittoria Street www.optispine.co.uk

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SPRING 2014

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Spinal Solutions Room 105f, The Big Peg, 120 Vyse Street www.spinalsolutions.org.uk 68

Sports & Remedial Massage Room 736, The Big Peg, 120 Vyse Street www.sportandremedialmassage.org 69

St Paul’s Physio Cornwall House, 31 Lionel Street www.stpaulsphysio.co.uk 70

what are you inking?

Looking to get your first tattoo or add to your body art?

Tattooist Max Rathbone offers some advice.

Off Key Tattoo Studio, 91 Vittoria Street W H AT A R E T H E CURRENT TRENDS?

C A N S O M E O N E H AV E T O O M A N Y TAT T O O S ?

The casual consumer tends to have small bird silhouettes, quotes, infinity symbols or grey shaded religious themes. However, the more serious collectors, who are the majority of my customers, are having traditional and neo-traditional (traditional style given a modern look) tattoos.

If that person is happy with them, I don’t think so. I have many tattoos, including on my hands and neck, but I’m happy with my choices and I have a job that supports them. People are quick to judge others for their tattoos because they don’t understand the appeal.

W H AT S H O U L D P E O P L E CONSIDER BEFORE H AV I N G A TAT T O O ?

W H AT ’ S T H E M O S T M E M O R A B L E TAT T O O YO U H AV E D O N E ?

Trust is a big factor. Do your research before selecting a tattooist and always check their portfolio with a very keen eye.

I have the pleasure of doing fun tattoos every day.

H O W LO N G D O E S I T TA K E F O R A TAT T O O T O H E A L ?

My work tends to heal in a week or so, but it all depends on how well the customer looks after it. Keep it clean, don’t pick, don’t soak it in the bath and use plenty of Bepanthen ointment and cling film!

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WON’T DO?

Customers must be over 18 and I won’t tattoo the neck, face or hands of anyone who doesn’t already have a lot of tattoos. I won’t do offensive tattoos and I will never tattoo the word ‘YOLO’ (you only live once) on anyone!

QUARTERlife

SPRING 2014

Worcestershire Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Room 311f, The Big Peg, 120 Vyse Street www.worcestershirephysiotherapy.co.uk

TAT T O O S 71

JQT-1 Unit 14 Kenyon Forge, Kenyon Street JQT-1 72

Off Key Tattoo Studio 91 Vittoria Street OFF KEY Tattoo Studio 73

Steele & Ink Custom Tattoos 2 Warstone Lane

As the RBSA Gallery celebrates its bicentenary, QUARTERlife explains the secret to its continued success.

AFFORDABLE

ART

Tucked away just off St Paul’s Square is an art society that boasts a distinguished history – and which is celebrating the 200th anniversary of its first exhibition.

FOR ALL

It is a remarkable milestone for The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA). One of the UK’s oldest art societies, this independent body and charity exists to promote artists in the city, to exhibit their works, and to make art accessible to the wider public.

To mark this landmark anniversary, the RBSA has launched ‘Celebrating 200 years of Art, Artists and Audiences in Birmingham’, which will see curators and volunteers researching the history of the RBSA, culminating in the exhibition ‘A Place for Art: The Story of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists’.

An organisation that has a permanent collection of more than 600 works, including art by David Cox, the RBSA has its roots in a life drawing academy that was founded

by Samuel Lines, Moses Haughton, Vincent Barber and Charles Barber in 1809.

They went on to establish the Birmingham Academy of Arts – a forerunner of RBSA

– in 1814 and held their first exhibition above the fire engine station in Union Passage.

The Society received a grant of £76,400 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the ‘Celebrating 200 years’ project, together with a Curatorial Research Grant of £40,000 from the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art to support the exhibition costs of ‘A Place for Art’.

While the RBSA, which moved to the Jewellery Quarter from New Street in 2000, has a distinguished pedigree (John Everett Millais and William Morris are former presidents), it is keen to give local artists a step on the ladder, providing a space where they can showcase their work.

It is also heavily involved in working with children, families and schools through its popular workshops and summer schools, and also works closely with the University of Birmingham, offering wouldbe curators and archivists valuable work experience.

Hosting 20 major exhibitions every year across its two floors, the gallery is a must-see.

It’s open every day, admission is free and – in keeping with its aim to bring affordable art to all – visitors will also find unique pieces for sale at keen prices.

www.rbsa.org.uk

QUARTERlife

SPRING 2014

13

beat the

BROADBAND BLUES QUARTERlife explores the different connectivity options and funding available to businesses in the Jewellery Quarter.

Slow broadband getting you down?

HOW WILL MY BUSINESS BENEFIT FROM A FA STER BROADBAND CONNECTION?

By improving your connectivity, you could benefit from: • improved reliability of service

Help is at hand!

• b usiness growth through increased competitiveness in local and international markets

To help businesses across Birmingham, particularly in the Jewellery Quarter, with the cost of connecting to a new, high-speed broadband connection, Digital Birmingham has launched a connectivity voucher scheme.

Here, Richard Williams, digital districts programme manager at Digital Birmingham, answers common questions about the scheme, which is funded by the Department of Culture Media & Sport’s Superconnected Cities initiative and The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

• b etter communication with partners, suppliers, customers and staff • reduced costs through more efficient working • improved data storage and accessibility • higher speed upload and download for large files.

HOW MUCH IS THE VOUCHER FOR?

The voucher will cover up to £3,000 of the connection costs (excluding VAT). That’s usually enough to pay for all the work. The minimum grant amount available is £250.

It’s a grant not a loan, so you don’t have to pay it back. You just pay the VAT, any amount over £3,000, and the monthly subscription cost.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY BUSINESS

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SPRING 2014

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE SCHEME?

You can apply for a voucher if you are a small and mediumsized business, a registered charity, a social enterprise or a not-for-profit organisation located in Birmingham.

H O W D O I A P P LY ?

If you are ready to apply, you can visit www.connectionvouchers.co.uk/birmingham and follow the instructions on how to submit your application form.

Alternatively, if you want to find out more about the scheme and what the voucher can be used for, the Connection Vouchers website provides details on all the suppliers taking part in the Birmingham scheme, as well as a guide to some of the technical jargon that is commonly used and answers to more frequently asked questions.

DO YOU ACCEPT JOINT A P P L I C AT I O N S O R T H O S E MADE BY A L ANDLORD?

A grant can be for an individual organisation; or several organisations can apply as a group through a landlord or agent.

Visit www.connectionvouchers.co.uk for more details.

QUARTERlife

SPRING 2014

continued

15

These are just some of the suppliers signed up to the Digital Birmingham connectivity voucher scheme.

Next Connex, working with Concept Solutions People (www.conceptsolutionspeople.com), will connect businesses directly to a local Data Centre/Data Exchange (DE) with a dedicated fibre-optic cable. This can carry up to 10Gb of Internet access but we will only ever charge you for what you need.

At the DE you have the option to locate some or all of your IT equipment. Your data is protected by multiple layers of security and backed up by an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and generators 24/7, 365 days a year, so your business can run even if your office is inaccessible.

At the DE you will have access to a full suite of managed services, including data storage, VOIP, secure Internet, managed wireless access, Microsoft LYNC, PCI compliant call recording, and managed servers.

Prices start from £450.00 per month for 100Mb of dedicated Internet access.

Fibre from BT Business is about much more than a faster connection; it allows companies to benefit from services like high definition calling and videoconferencing, send large documents and files more quickly, and take advantage of webbased applications.

Installed by specialist engineers and supported by a dedicated team 24/7, our BTnet service also comes with a service-level agreement that gives customers money back if they don’t get 100% availability.

We are already working with many businesses across Birmingham, such as The Big Peg, which uses a Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) connection to provide high-speed Internet access to its tenants and their visitors.

www.nextconnex.com/fibre-region-birmingham.aspx

www.bt.com/BDUKvoucher

For a full list, visit www.connectionvouchers.co.uk/suppliers

NEXT CONNEX

METRONET (UK)

BIRMINGHAM FIBRE

CFL BUSINESS

Metronet (UK) is a hybrid wired and wireless Internet Service Provider. Unlike other ISPs, we own and operate our whole network and are in total control of the delivery process.

We provide superfast Internet services using both fibre and wireless leased lines, supplying many of the city’s leading names including West Midlands Police, Birmingham City Council and Bruntwood. We also work in partnership with landlords to provide resilient services to multioccupancy buildings.

The benefits of a Metronet (UK) connection include delivery in days, flexible and scalable contract terms, 24/7/365 support and optimisation for cloud as standard.

So far, we have connected nearly 100 voucher customers. Prices start from £100 per month with fixed price guarantees and cost reductions for group applications.

Birmingham Fibre aims to shake the Broadband market in Birmingham, providing reliable and affordable high-speed connectivity, focusing on broadband and telephony solutions.

We offer a wide range of products, including up to 1Gbps Symmetric FTTx services starting from just £10 per month plus VAT; leased line connections from 10mbps to 10Gbps; and dark fibre.

We are successfully providing connectivity to a number of businesses in the Jewellery Quarter – offering flexible connections at a days’ notice, and excellent customer service and support with guaranteed 99.5% network availability.

At CFL Business, we have developed a service that delivers ultra-fast broadband connectivity alongside local support and guidance. This approach has been a big success in our current deployment in Westminster and is recognised as a corner stone in our company ethos.

Our carrier grade network utilises fibre and wireless to deliver broadband speeds of up to 1Gb/s at affordable prices. We offer a flexible choice of download speeds from 30Mbps, for £40 plus VAT per month, to 1Gbps. You can upgrade your upload speed to equal your download speed and choose a service level to match your needs.

www.birminghamfibre.co.uk

www.cflbusiness.co.uk

www.metronet-uk.com/bduk

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BT

The scheme only has limited funding and must close by March 2015, so don’t miss out! Visit www.connectionvouchers.co.uk or email DigitalBirminghamBroadbandVouchers@birmingham.gov.uk for more details.

QUARTERlife

SPRING 2014

JQ BID LEVY PAYER DINNER JQ BID levy payers and their clients were invited to a special event to experience the award-winning food and service at University College Birmingham’s (UCB) Atrium Restaurant in Summer Row. The restaurant, which is operated by UCB’s catering and hospitality students, has recently

been refurbished so it was the perfect opportunity for guests to view the new decor and meet other local business owners.

More than 45 guests enjoyed a three-course dinner and the restaurant’s best wines, while JQ BID manager Luke Crane updated them on recent BID activity.

From left, clockwise: JQ BID ambassadors Phil Burlace and Wendy Roach; Mike Coffey and Catherine Maye, of JQ Hotel, with Roz and Stephen Robinson, of Abbey College Birmingham; Marie Brennan and Stella Layton, of The Assay Office, with Andrew Burford and Ollie Cheney, of Glasshouse College.

© Anna Gibson Photography/Pen Museum

‘PEOPLE, PENS AND PRODUCTION...’ BOOK LAUNCH The Pen Museum in Frederick Street hosted the launch of ‘People, Pens and Production in Birmingham’s Steel Pen Trade’ - a book edited by one of its founder members Brian Jones MBE. More than 100 people, including Jasper Carrott patron of the museum - and Birmingham’s Lord Mayor Mike Leddy, turned out to support the

book and pay their respects to Brian, who passed away suddenly in January.

The book is available from the museum, online at www.penroom.co.uk, as well as all good book stores and Amazon. Priced at £14.95, all proceeds will go towards supporting The Pen Museum.

From left, clockwise: Larry Hanks, of The Pen Museum, with Jasper Carrott; Birmingham’s Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress; Sheila Bennett, Margaret Clark and Cathy Hopes attended the event.

QUARTERlife

SPRING 2014

17

LIVE

C ARVING A

FUTURE in theJewellery Quarter

QUARTERlife meets Kate Wilkins and Nigel Ireland as they embark on an ambitious plan to transform a former silversmiths into a place to live, work and provide an income.

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QUARTERlife

SPRING 2014

LIVE

R

enovating a Grade II listed, partially derelict factory in a Jewellery Quarter backstreet may seem, even to the most experienced of property developers, quite a daunting task. But for Kate and Nigel, their vision of creating an idyllic work/life balance has spurred them to make such a big commitment.

After purchasing the property in March 2013, the couple aim to build a two-bed townhouse for themselves, an apartment to rent out and some workshops for small creative companies, including one to accommodate Nigel’s furniture making business.

This is the first major renovation project the couple have taken on but – apart from the vital liaison with Birmingham City Council’s planning and conservation team – they’re doing the majority of the work themselves.

With most of the property open to the elements, Kate and Nigel’s first task was to create a structurally safe, dry and warm area for them to live in. A former workshop has become their living quarters, with the addition of a shower in the bathroom and extra items to transform the staff tea making area into a workable kitchen.

The ground floor courtyard space will provide workshops for Nigel and other creatives.

A year in and I still look forward to going home and helping Nigel knock a wall down or chip away some old plaster. Kate “Winter was tough as it was very cold, but it was nothing a few extra blankets and oil heaters couldn’t solve!” said Kate. “Our friends and family have also been very kind, offering us warm baths and home cooked meals to keep us going.

“We’re under no illusions that the project will take some ten years to complete but we are making the townhouse and Nigel’s workshop the priority, as this will help to provide the income to finish the other workshops and apartment.”

The plan to convert part of the building into residential use is a nod to 1890 when the property was originally two separate houses; in fact the two front doors are still in place today.

For most of the 1900s, the property was home to AE Jones’ Silversmith and, between the 50s and 80s, the company extended the office and work space in some inventive ways.

“When you go onto the roof terrace and look at the back of the property you can see where rooms have been added on over the years. It certainly adds character to the building,” explained Nigel.

“There was even a shed-like building on the roof terrace which was used for storage, but we have already dismantled that to make way for an outdoor living space for us to use during the summer.”

QUARTERlife

THEN

NOW

Nigel and Kate’s first task was to convert a former workshop into a temporary living area.

SPRING 2014

19

LIVE

Around the start of the 21st century, the property was the base for Castrite Jewellery and the sign still has pride of place on the building’s green façade.

But step inside and there is lots more history left to uncover.

“The property was Grade II listed in 2004, which means keeping as many original features as possible and ensuring any restoration work is sympathetic to the industrial feel of the property,” said Kate. “However, this hasn’t caused too many problems at the moment as we want to keep as many original materials as we can too.

“For example, the slates off the roof have been re-laid, we’ve taken down walls and kept the bricks to use elsewhere and we want to make features of the floor in the workshops, which have the jewellery castings melted into them. We’ve also kept some samples of retro wallpaper we stripped from some of the rooms to have it replicated and we will look to replace or restore the windows, which let a lot of light in throughout the property thanks to the courtyard in the centre.”

After 13 years as a couple, a project of this size could be a real test of any relationship, but Kate and Nigel are confident they have a good set up to help them through the difficult times.

“We make a very good team,” said Kate. “Nigel is living and breathing the renovation at the moment but I work in an office in Solihull during the week so I’m not reminded of the sheer scale of work everyday. A year in and I still look forward to going home and helping Nigel knock a wall down or chip away some old plaster.”

“We rarely watch TV,” added Nigel. “We’re either doing some work on the house or we try to get out and about in the Jewellery Quarter. We don’t want to be in a position where we are in the house all the time and don’t start to discover our local area until we’ve finished the work in 10 years’ time.”

With Kate originally from Maidenhead and Nigel from York, what brought them to the Jewellery Quarter?

“The Jewellery Quarter is a hive of activity and inspiration for creative people, which is why it’s the perfect place to set up my furniture workshop and showroom.”

Nigel

Interesting finds, such as a safe and casting equipment, will be incorporated into the design of the residential and commercial buildings.

“We’ve lived in London, Geneva and Solihull and we have found people from the Midlands to be the most welcoming; particularly in the Jewellery Quarter. It is a hive of activity and inspiration for creative people, which is why it’s the perfect place to set up my furniture workshop and showroom. I hope the other workshop units will attract fellow craftspeople that can complement my furniture so we can offer a whole interior service to customers.

“It’s one big adventure for us,” concluded Nigel. “And, despite all the hard work and unexpected problems we face everyday, it will all be worth it in the end. Many of our family and friends originally thought we were crazy but, after seeing the property and how it’s changed in just the past 12 months, they can see the potential and what we are trying to achieve.”

QUARTERlife will catch up with Kate and Nigel in a year or so, but you can follow Kate’s blog – whiteladderworld.wordpress.com – to keep up to date with the progress.

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QUARTERlife

Kate and Nigel predict it will take at least 10 years to complete the renovation project.

SPRING 2014

LEARN

The Jewellery Quarter is home to many renowned educational establishments that are training the jewellers, lawyers and academics of the future. But it’s not just the schools, college and universities that are helping people to learn new skills. From Salsa lessons to acting classes, here’s a taster of the variety of workshops and courses available across the Quarter.

SHORT COURSES AT T H E S C H O O L O F JEWELLERY

U N D E R S TA N D I N G …

C O U R S E S AT T H E B I R M I N G H A M A S S AY O F F I C E

ACTING CL A SSES AT T H E B L U E O R A N G E T H E AT R E

Vittoria Street 0121 331 5940 www.bcu.ac.uk/biad

Newhall Street 0871 871 6020 www.theassayoffice.co.uk

Great Hampton Street 0121 212 2643 www.blueorangetheatre.co.uk

Topics include enamelling, hand engraving, introduction to jewellery-making, silversmithing, and stone setting.

The Assay Office has established an Education & Training Programme for its customers, which includes many aspects of the jewellery, precious metal and gemstone industry.

Adult evening classes and workshops including ‘introduction to acting’, ‘performance combat’ and ‘improvisation’, as well as youth theatre classes.

TRAIN FOR A NEW C AREER AT T H E B E A U T Y A C A D E M Y

PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES AT F O T O F I L I A

C ALLIGRAPHY CL ASSES AT T H E P E N M U S E U M

33 Lionel Street 0121 401 1008 www.thebeautyacademy.org

Regent Parade (off Caroline Street) 0121 439 0051 www.fotofilia.co.uk

Frederick Street 0121 444 7919 www.penroom.co.uk

Diploma and NVQ level beauty training and courses covering beauty therapy, nail care treatments, make-up and eye treatments, hair removal, and holistic therapy.

Daytime and evening courses covering a range of skills. Prices start from £30.

Two weekly drop-in classes on Saturdays 9.45am - 11.15am and 11.30am - 1pm.

C O C KTA I L , C O O K E R Y O R W I N E TA S T I N G C L A S S E S AT T H E VA U LT S

L E A R N T O P L AY A N INSTRUMENT AT B I R M I N G H A M YA M A H A MUSIC SCHOOL

Newhall Place 0121 212 9837 www.vaultsbirmingham.com/classes

Branston Court, Branston Street 0121 439 5488 www.birminghammusicschool.co.uk

QUARTERlife

SPRING 2014

SALSA WORKSHOPS AND LIVE MUSIC AT T H E J A M H O U S E

St Paul’s Square www.dancefederation.co.uk Last Thursday of every month, 9.30pm

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action!

ON LOCATION

LIGHTS, CAMERA, Love TV or film?

The allure of the jewellery quarter has attracted many camera crews.

HUSTLE (BBC)

WPC 56 (BBC)

Filming of this popular TV series, starring Robert Vaughn, Robert Glenister and Adrian Lester, moved to Birmingham in the programme’s sixth series and continued for another three.

Many Jewellery Quarter streets, including St Paul’s Square, Ludgate Hill, Frederick Street, Livery Street and Camden Street, were used and the final ever scene was shot in the yard of the AE Harris Factory on Northwood Street, as the reunited ‘Magnificent Seven’ drive away in a convertible.

Set in 1956, this daytime drama tells the story of WPC Gina Dawson (Jennie Jacques) - the first female police officer in the fictional Brinford suburb of Birmingham. The first series, aired in 2013, featured the Alabaster & Wilson building on Legge Lane as The Raven Arms, a fictional pub; and the interior scenes of Brinford Police Station were filmed at 55-57 Vittoria Street.

Series two aired in February 2014.

LINE OF DUTY (BBC)

The local boozer in the first series of this British police drama, aired in 2012, was The Queens Arms on Newhall Street. Brief scenes were also filmed on Ludgate Hill, Lionel Street and Newhall Street. In episode two, a wanted man leapt from a fifth floor apartment block on Fleet Street onto the Birmingham & Fazeley canal towpath.

BY ANY MEANS (BBC)

Jack Quinn (played by Warren Brown) received his debrief from Helen Barlow (Gina McKee) on a bench outside St Paul’s Church. The gang, which exists in the shadows between law and justice, was seen entering it’s base via one of two entrances; underneath the railway arch of the Birmingham & Fazeley canal on Livery Street, near Water Street, and beneath the railway bridge over Water Street. In episode six, Jamie Caine’s (Nick Moran) apartment was Viceroy House in Livery Street; filming also took place at The Rectory pub on St Paul’s Square.

OTHER SHOWS INCLUDE:

Doctors (BBC) – Filmed in various locations across the Jewellery Quarter.

Antiques Roadtrip/Cash Britain (BBC) – Both filmed at The Drop Forge, Hockley Street.

Location, Location, Location (Channel 4) Kirstie and Phil tried to find a couple a JQ pad in series 19, episode five.

Hidden Histories: Britain’s Oldest Family Business (BBC) – Aired in January 2014, episode two of the series focused on the history of Toye & Co, based on Warstone Lane.

The Game (BBC) – A scene for this 1970s spy drama, recorded in 2013, was filmed in Frederick Street.

The Objects - Northfield man David Toms made a two-minute movie, which cost £600 to produce, featuring Fredericks Bar in Frederick Street.

It was premiered at the Pasadena International Film Festival in Los Angeles in February 2014.

With special thanks to Mark Wilson, www.btvfloc.wordpress.com.

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SPRING 2014

Line of Duty - © World Productions

Competitions For all the details on what’s on locally visit www.jewelleryquarter.net/ whatson

WPC 56 – © BBC Pictures

NAME THE ALE TO WIN BEER FESTIVAL TICKETS AND A CASK OF ALE

april

The Jewellery Quarter BID will be sponsoring the CAMRA beer festival in October and, to celebrate, it is working with Two Towers Brewery to produce a new ale.

‘NAME THE ALE’ EVENT

13th, The Rose Villa Tavern

24 CARROTS MARKET 24th, St Paul’s Square

But, we need a name…

By Any Means – © Red Planet Pictures

june

Please email your suggestions to laura@barquespr.co.uk. The winner will be announced at an event on Sunday 13th April, 3pm, at The Rose Villa Tavern on Warstone Lane.

As well as naming the ale, the winner will also receive two tickets to the beer festival and a cask of the ale when it has been brewed.

The BID is also looking for local input on what the ale should taste like.

The event in March will involve guests participating in a taste test to vote on their favourite flavours.

Closing date for entries is Thursday 10th April 2014, 5pm.

‘CROSSING THE BRIDGE’ WITH THE RBSA GALLERY 23rd June - 23rd August From Ludgate Hill to Church Street (Colmore)

Hidden Histories - © Raw TV

coming soon WIN A CUT, COLOUR AND CONDITIONING TREATMENT WITH HARRIS & GIBBS

JEWELLERY QUARTER BID AGM WORTH £100

QUARTER LIFESTYLE EVENT

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer this simple question: Hustle - © Kudos

Who has recently begun to sport a chic pixie crop?

A. Paloma Faith B. Kate Moss C. Jennifer Lawrence To enter, send your answer, along with your name, address, telephone number and email address to: Laura Butler at QUARTERlife, c/o Barques PR Ltd, Ludgate Place, 23 Ludgate Hill, Birmingham, B3 1DX, or email laura@barquespr.co.uk.

Closing date for entries is Friday 25th April 2014, 11pm.

QUARTERlife

SPRING 2014

Terms and conditions: One winner will be selected at random and notified within three days of the closing date. There is no cash alternative. The prize is for a cut, colour, and conditioning treatment only. Other treatments are chargeable. Appointment to be booked directly with Harris & Gibbs. The prize must be redeemed by end of July 2014. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.

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Specialist auctioneers and valuers of antiques, jewellery and watches. www.fellows.co.uk | 0121 212 2131 Fellows Auctioneers | 19 Augusta Street | Birmingham | B18 6JA London Office (By Appointment) | 2nd Floor | 3 Queen Street | London | W1J 5PA | 020 7127 4198