2. Chamberlink April 26 35-68.qxp_Chamberlink 31/03/2026 12:06 Page 48
1813 CLUB AND PREMIER MEMBERS
1813 Club and Premier Members Greater Birmingham’s leading companies
Premier Membership Contact: Gary Birch T: 07971 144059
Botanical Garden’s poetry trail honours Benjamin Zephaniah Poems inspired by the life and works of internationally acclaimed poet, author and activist Benjamin Zephaniah are taking over Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) this spring. Visitors will not only be able to read all 18 winning poems from Birmingham City University’s 2025 Benjamin Zephaniah Future Writers competition but also listen to them being recited – bringing each piece vividly to life. Qian Zephaniah, Benjamin’s wife, said: “Benjamin believed that poetry should live and breathe in the world, not sit quietly on shelves. So, to have these voices – inspired by his work – echoing through the Birmingham Botanical
Voices in the Gardens: Qian Zephaniah (left) and Jen Ridding
Gardens, where he loved to walk and think feels like coming home.” Thousands of young and emerging writers from across the
UK entered the second annual Future Writers competition, submitting poems inspired by Zephaniah’s book Nature Trail.
The winning entries, dotted around the gardens until 17 May, explore themes rooted in the natural world. Birmingham-born Zephaniah, known for his passionate advocacy for social justice, equality and the environment, died in 2023 aged 63. The project forms part of an ongoing strategic partnership between the Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) and Birmingham City University (BCU). Jen Ridding, head of engagement and learning at BBG, said: “The Gardens are the perfect setting for the trail – around every corner is a poem to discover while enjoying our amazing global plant collection.”
Director of sales joins Edgbaston Park Hotel
Sacrifice honoured: Jamie Naish and Mireille Harrison, of SPR
SPR pledges support to Armed Forces A West Midlands recruitment firm has signed up to a national commitment to support the Armed Forces Community ratified by the Ministry of Defence. Multi-sector consultancy Starting Point Recruitment (SPR), based in Walsall and Birmingham, has joined the Armed Forces Covenant – “a promise from the 48 CHAMBERLINK April 2026
nation to those who serve or who have served, and their families”. Jamie Naish, executive director at SPR, said: “The men and women who serve in our Armed Forces live by certain core values. “It is only right that SPR honours their professionalism and sacrifice by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.”
Edgbaston Park Hotel & Conference Centre has appointed a new director of sales. Lisa Hadfield joins the senior leadership team during an exciting period of growth for the awardwinning hotel and venue. Now operating in its eighth year, and proudly owned by the University of Birmingham, the hotel continues to strengthen its position as one of the city’s leading destinations. Lisa brings with her a wealth of experience across the hospitality, conferencing and events sectors. Most recently, she held the role of business development manager at Ashorne Hill. Before that Lisa spent 11 years at Warwick Conferences. In her new role, Lisa will focus on working closely with Edgbaston Park Hotel’s key MICE agency partners, while supporting wider commercial growth, increasing exposure of the venue, and
developing new partnerships across the sector. Lisa said: “Edgbaston Park Hotel has an outstanding reputation within the industry, and I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on its success, strengthen agency relationships and create new opportunities.”
Experience: Lisa Hadfield