Chamberlink July Aug 25

July/August 2025

Learning to love AI

Ex-Dragon returns to drive home critical message

See page 5

• Birmingham scientists in hay fever breakthrough

• Black business group welcomes new leaders

• Future Faces and Solihull reveal awards shortlists

Picture: Shaun Fellowes

Contents

Chamberlink July/August 2025

30 International Trade: Black Sabbath ballet takes the US by

ABCC: Resilience celebrated at Eid

Lichfield & Tamworth: Insurance expert takes on vice-president role

Royal Sutton Coldfield: New president to be welcomed at AGM

Solihull: Security expert joins as patron

Future Faces: Awards shortlist is revealed

The latest list of Chamber events

CHAMBER

The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Editor: John Lamb 07814 539329 lambjohn@mac.com

Deputy Editor: Dan Harrison 0121 274 3239, 0797 1144052 d.harrison@birmingham-chamber.com

Assistant Editor: Jon Griffin 07963 405538 j.griffin@birmingham-chamber.com

Reporter: Feron Jayawardene 0121 2743240, 07508 317356 f.jayawardene@birmingham-chamber.com

Reporter: Darby Newman 07951 245985 d.newman@birmingham-chamber.com

Moving AI to the top of the agenda 50 Five things young professionals wish you knew

52 Business Travel: New tram route connects to Sports Quarter 55 Finance: Dains deals its way to the top 20 59 Legal: Former GBCC president joins Lodders board 60 Property: ‘Most sustainable’ new offices reach milestone 62 Skills: World Craft City status for JQ

Technology: T Level students accept social media mission

The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) is here to connect, support and grow local businesses. Accredited by the British Chambers, we have acted as the voice of local businesses since 1813.

Editor’s View

BY JOHN LAMB

Artificial intelligence is the real thing...

Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their mind cannot change anything

The quote attributed to George Bernard Shaw is no more true now than when the Irish playwright uttered them many years ago.

Change happens frequently in business and for the most part employers and employees have learned to live with it and accept it as a force for good.

When I look back at the changes that took place in my career, spent mostly in a newspaper or a publishing environment, today’s media is unrecognisable from the one I was brought up in.

You may or may not find it hard to believe that when I first started in newspapers the technology was not a great deal different to that which Charles Dickens used to publish his weekly magazine Household Words in the 1850s.

For me, typewriters and hot metal were the order of the day and those methods prevailed until 1970s/80s. And the epicentre of newspaper production in Fleet Street was the last to change, seemingly holding on to a beloved industry they were reluctant to let go.

But let go they did and many traditional newspapers and most of their staff sadly disappeared to be replaced in the online revolution.

Change has not been a good friend of the local rag.

But it is inevitable, as former Dragon’s Den star and entrepreneur Piers Linney will tell a conference associated with Birmingham Chamber’s biggest ever Expo later this year.

He will be talking about artificial intelligence, a concept that some generations even today, let along in Mr Dickens’ time, will find hard to understand.

A world where your laptop will write a job application or even pen (if that’s the right word) a novel for you is alien to many. And getting your mind around a 3D printer will baffle those who struggle to persuade a printer at home to behave.

But it’s inevitable that change will come and we must embrace it.

And, as Mr Linney adds, any business that does not do so will be left behind. We look forward to hearing what he has to say in October (see page 5).

• CHAMBERLINK will be taking a break in August but we’ll be back with a September issue full of the news and views from our members. But readers can stay up to date by subscribing for free to the Chamber’s daily news bulletin at greaterbirminghamchambers.com THAT’S PROGRESS!

Managing Editor: Laura Blake

Designers: Lloyd Hollingworth & Stuart Burton

Advertising: 0121 765 4144 andy.baker@kempspublishing.co.uk

Business News

Latest news from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Dragons’ Den star to offer expert AI insight

By Dan Harrison

Entrepreneur and former Dragons’ Den star Piers Linney is to deliver a AI masterclass for Chamber members – at the forthcoming Business Growth Studio Conference.

Hot on the heels of his workshop alongside Implement AI co-founder Aalok Shukla in June, Piers will return as a keynote speaker for the Chamber conference, part of Greater Birmingham Business Expo, at Edgbaston Stadium on Wednesday, 1 October

At the workshop, both entrepreneurs said that businesses who aren’t adopting AI to boost their existing workforce run the risk of falling behind.

Piers is delivering a keynote for the session ‘Growth Mindset: Seizing Opportunities’ – in which he will discuss how embracing AI can transform business growth potential.

The aim of the Growth Mindset session is to explore the disruptive forces shaping the business landscape – such as AI, digital, sustainability, ESG, labour market trends and cyber security risk) – and leave delegates feeling empowered to navigate them and seize opportunities.

Piers is an entrepreneur, investor, and former Dragon on the prime-time BBC show Dragons’ Den. With a background in law and investment banking, Piers has established himself as a leading figure in the UK business world, particularly in the technology sector.

He co-founded Implement AI which provides AI agent solutions to organisations of all sizes.

He has sat on the board of Nesta, the UK’s largest innovation foundation, British Business Bank during the roll-out of £90bn of Covid support, the UK Cloud Industry Forum and TechUK.

Piers is also an advocate for diversity in business and sits on Sky’s Diversity Advisory Council.

Additionally, he is chairman and co-founder of Atherton Bikes, a world leading manufacturer of additive* manufactured mountain bikes.

Raj Kandola, acting deputy CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back Piers Linney, a leading figure in the business world and particularly in the technology sector, for our Business Growth Studio Conference.

“With so much talk around the fast-moving trends and advancements in AI, we look forward to hearing his perspectives on how businesses can successfully adopt it in order to thrive.”

The Business Growth Studio Conference is an exclusive benefit for Chamber members, although a limited number of tickets are available to non-members, priced at £250 (plus VAT).

*Additive manufacturing is a cutting-edge technology which drastically uses fewer resources.

• For more information about the Business Growth Studio Conference and Expo turn to pages 42 and 43 or visit greaterbirminghamchambers.com

AI warning to businesses:

Piers Linney (left) with Aalok Shukla

Scientists tackle hay fever with revolutionary nasal spray

Birmingham scientists who were highly commended for their work during Covid are on the brink of marketing a drug-free nasal spray to prevent hay fever.

Research discovered the Covid nasal spray could block pollen, allergens, and dust, and the scientists are now engaged on making slight adjustments to the formulation to produce a spray that is specific to the needs of people with hay fever (allergic rhinitis).

Birmingham Biotech Ltd has been highly commended in the Department for Business & Trade’s Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards, for a nasal spray formulated by the Birmingham scientists during the Covid pandemic to protect against infection by airborne viruses.

The company is a UK-based innovator in protective nasal sprays and biomedical technologies that address critical unmet medical needs.

Best known for the NoriZite nasal spray – developed in collaboration with the University of Birmingham – the company focuses on drug-free, barrier-forming formulations designed to shield against airborne viruses and environmental allergens.

The NoriZite nasal spray is now sold in over 10 countries, and Professor Liam Grover and Dr Richard Moakes from the

University’s Healthcare Technologies Institute are working with Birmingham Biotech to perfect the new hay fever formulation.

The original formulation was created in 2020, when the researchers set themselves the challenge of engineering a “nondrip” nasal spray that could cover the inside of the nose evenly and stay in place for a sufficient length of time to provide an effective barrier.

‘This nasal spray works by forming a physical shield, maintaining the natural integrity of the nasal environment’

It contains natural ingredients, “plumes” rather than “jets” when applied with a nasal spray applicator, provides more than six times the coverage of standard sprays and is retained in the nose for up to six hours.

While current therapeutic approaches for hay fever focus on managing the symptoms, the new spray will be a drug-free preventative measure for people who are triggered by airborne allergens.

Professor Grover said: “Unlike pharmaceutical interventions that target specific pathogens or alter the body’s response to an allergen,

this nasal spray works by forming a physical shield, maintaining the natural integrity of the nasal environment.

“This makes it an effective safeguard against both emerging viruses and environmental allergens.”

The new product for hay fever is expected to come to market in late 2025.

Michael Hsu, managing director

of Birmingham Biotech, said: “We are proud to continue our collaboration with Professor Grover and Dr Moakes to expand the application of our drug-free preventive technology.

“By transforming NoriZite into a solution that also protects against allergens, we’re offering a safe, accessible and science-backed alternative for the millions who suffer from hay fever each year.”

Combined authority chief steps down

Laura Shoaf, CEO of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), is stepping down after four years in the role.

Laura will continue as chair of Shadow Great British Railways, which was set up last year by the government under its plans to bring the UK's railways back into public ownership.

The WMCA said Ed Cox, deputy chief executive, will step up as interim chief while a recruitment process gets under way for a permanent replacement.

Laura, who has been with the organisation since its inception, said: “I have lived and worked in the West Midlands for over 20 years, and I am proud that I have been able to make a real difference for our residents. I will always champion our wonderful region and while I am

sad to be leaving the combined authority, I know I am leaving it with people who care passionately about the West Midlands and will continue to see it go from strength to strength.”

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said Laura had done an “exemplary job for the region” during her time in the job.

In 2022, she was honoured with a CBE for services to economic regeneration in the West Midlands. “I want to thank Laura for her decades of service to the West Midlands,” the mayor said.

“I especially want to recognise the work she has done in my first year to help me embed and deliver my priorities.

“I want to wish her every success in the future, especially continuing in her role as chair of Shadow Great British Railways.”

Physical shield: Professor Liam Grover

Wonderful region: Laura Shoaf

New members join Collective

Seven leading business figures have been appointed to the committee of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s Black Business Collective.

The Black Business Collective (BBC) is a free subscriber network launched by the GBCC last year to champion the growth and development of Black-owned companies.

The network offers Black business owners and professionals a platform to meet, learn, stay connected and discover new opportunities.

As the Collective marks its first anniversary, six new members have been elected to the committee. They are:

• Chris Cummins, the founder and joint managing director of Our Training Department (OTD), who has a 17-year track record within the pharmaceutical industry.

• Chantel Thompson, marketing and engagement manager at the Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME) at Aston University and a freelance marketer with over 15 years of experience in marketing and event management.

• Landry Ntahe, entrepreneur and founder of AI-powered property management platform FindaHost which synchronises listings across more than 60 booking platforms.

• Denise Myers, founder and CEO of recruitment firm Evenfields, founder of the Black Talent Awards and an award-winning DE&I champion.

• Matthew Innis, CEO and founder of Fitnniss – the wellbeing in care experts who increase

physical, mental and social wellbeing in care by partnering with care providers to offer group and one-to-one sessions.

• Uko Umotong, director and cofounder UB Healthcare – the Solihull-based specialists in solutions for NHS funded care, complex case management and patient flow.

• Kwame Boateng, the multiaward-winning entrepreneur and founder of alcohol-free fragrance brand Ingrained Oil.

The Black Business Collective’s honorary president Karl George, who is also head of governance at RSM and a GBCC board member, said: “As we step into our second year, I’m really proud of the momentum we’ve built within the Black Business Collective.

“Our partnership with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has been a solid foundation, and I’m glad to welcome our new members as we keep building something special together for future generations.”

Championing growth: Leading figures in the Black Business Collective

Bootcamp skills up young people

Over the past 12 months, more than 100 young unemployed people from the West Midlands have completed a Skills Bootcamp programme that will help them into work with funding from The Rigby Foundation.

One year ago, Steve Rigby, co-CEO of the Rigby Group, announced that his family’s charity – The Rigby Foundation – would be donating £600k over three years to not-for-profit Generation UK to help the region’s young people get into skilled, well-paid jobs.

Generation UK runs skills bootcamps on cloud and data engineering and technology, green energy and health and social care, and supports individuals facing barriers to employment into life-changing careers.

‘The trustees of The Rigby Foundation are committed to helping our region’s young unemployed’

It has an impressive track record with 65 per cent of learners placed in jobs within six months of completing the bootcamp, and the average starting salary for those learners is around £25,000 per year.

Deanna Woodhouse-Hawkins is a 25 year old Birmingham success story. Deanna lives in Quinton with her family, and will shortly pass her three months’ probation as a junior python developer at Global Telecoms Networks.

Completing her degree in Computing & IT in 2023, Deanna applied for more than 1,200 jobs and only secured a handful of interviews.

She was demoralised and on Universal Credit for more than a year, before she came across Generation UK. She signed up and started a tech bootcamp in October 2024 – completing it in

Wilkes’ role in Wow! Stuff deal

Wilkes Partnership played a key role in advising the shareholders of China Industries Limited, trading as WOW! Stuff, on the sale and management re-investment of the business to a Netherlands-based purchaser. The deal marks a significant moment in the global toy industry and involved a multilayered and cross-border transaction structure, including a complex rollover investment.

WOW! Stuff, headquartered in Wolverhampton with operations in Los Angeles and Hong Kong, is a global toy innovation business known for its work with major brands.

Gareth O’Hara, Senior Partner at Wilkes, led the corporate legal team and was supported by Solicitor Emma Richardson and Solicitor Alexandra Lakeland-Reed.

January 2025 before securing her job.

Deanna said: “The course set up by Generation UK instilled hope that I would be able to get a job in the field I was passionate about and had trained for.

“Following a tough period faced with rejection after rejection and my mental health being negatively affected, the bootcamp and wraparound support helped me to land my amazing role at my employer. I am excited to see where my career takes me.”

There are currently 26,000 unemployed young people across the region, and youth employment is double the national average in areas such as

Walsall, Wolverhampton and Birmingham. Steve Rigby, chair of The Rigby Foundation, said: “The trustees of The Rigby Foundation are committed to helping our region’s young unemployed. Generation UK has a great track record of delivering life changing bootcamps for young people facing barriers to employment, and our funding is ensuring many more local youngsters have a chance to participate and hopefully secure a meaningful job.

“We are delighted our partnership has got off to such a great start. We look forward to hearing many more success stories over the next two years.”

Infrastructure plan offers clarity

Business leaders in Greater Birmingham have welcomed the newly-published 10-year infrastructure strategy of the government saying it will bring “much needed clarity”.

The strategy is backed by at least £725bn of government funding for infrastructure over the next decade, covering both economic and social infrastructure for the first time.

Key areas highlighted in the strategy include supporting delivery of 1.5m new homes, a new fund to repair major structures on the road network, quadrupling investment in new water infrastructure, rebuilding projects over 500 schools and building over 35 hospitals.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) head of policy Emily Stubbs said: “This 10-year infrastructure strategy will give businesses and supply chains much needed clarity and certainty to plan.

“Crucially, it will create a landscape for crowding in investment and help to bolster business confidence, with renewed commitment to long-term projects playing a vital role in driving economic growth across the West Midlands, including HS2 and the Midlands Rail Hub.”

The government also laid out their new industrial strategy which drew a cautious response from the GBCC. According to the Government, the industrial strategy will “make it easier and simpler for companies

to do business, giving them the stability to make long term investments”.

Emily Stubbs said: “The new Industrial Strategy is a welcome step toward building a resilient, competitive economy, with city-regions like Greater Birmingham and the wider West Midlands at its core.

"Nevertheless, policymakers must not underestimate the critical contribution of place-making sectors such as hospitality and retail in the UK economy, and the importance of supporting such businesses which continue to be impacted by the consecutive economic shocks of recent years.”

Much needed clarity: Emily Stubbs

Helping youngsters into work (left to right): James, Sir Peter and Steve Rigby

President’s Focus

Sarah Griffiths is president of Future Faces, the young professionals arm of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, and a director at Intercity Technology, the Birmingham-based telecom and IT specialist that helps businesses transform performance through communications technology. Here, Sarah reflects on the values that drive her and her ambitions for Future Faces.

When I reflect on my journey to becoming president of Future Faces, one word comes to mind: momentum.

It’s the energy that builds when people believe in you, when you’re given space to grow, and when you’re surrounded by others who are just as passionate about making a difference.

That’s what Future Faces has always been about – creating momentum for young professionals across Greater Birmingham.

In my early career, during my education, and even now, I often find myself in rooms where I’m the youngest, the only woman, or, for one reason or another, the person who doesn’t quite “fit the mould”.

‘We want to hear from you - your ideas, your challenges, your ambitions’

But those experiences are what shape us. They’ve taught me that leadership isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about showing up, speaking up, and lifting others as you climb. That’s the spirit Future Faces has always given me.

As director of the project management office (PMO) at Intercity, I’ve seen first-hand how powerful it is when organisations invest in their people. Our values aren’t just slogans, they’re lived experiences.

Whether it’s through mentoring, cross-functional projects, or simply creating space for new voices, we’re building a culture where people can thrive. And that aligns perfectly with the ethos of Future Faces.

This year, I’m particularly focused on three things: visibility, voice, and value.

• Visibility: We’ll spotlight the incredible work young professionals are doing across sectors. From tech and sustainability to the arts and public service, you deserve to be seen.

• Voice: We’ll create more opportunities for members to shape the conversation through panels, podcasts, and beyond. Your perspective matters.

• Value: We’ll ensure that being part of Future Faces isn’t just a badge, it’s a launchpad. From leadership development to

networking with purpose, we’ll make every interaction count.

But we can’t do this alone. We want to hear from you – your ideas, your challenges, your ambitions. Whether you’re just starting out or stepping into your first leadership role, this is your community, your future. Let’s shape it together.

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As we look ahead to the Greater BYPY Awards and beyond, I’m excited about what we can achieve for our incredible members. Those who care deeply, work hard, and want to leave things better than they found them. So here’s to momentum. Let’s keep it going.

• Future Faces news – pages 40-41.

Building

culture where people can thrive: Sarah Griffith

The Griffin Report

The Belfry, the iconic venue of four Ryder Cups, is investing £80m into a huge redevelopment, including The Masters Suite, a new conference, exhibition, wedding and banquet space. JON GRIFFIN spoke to managing director Chris Eigelaar about the development and the chances of the Ryder Cup returning to one of its spiritual homes on the edge of Sutton Coldfield.

Chris Eigelaar sits in the boardroom at the Belfry and declares:

“This is the biggest development in our history, for sure.

“That’s the way I speak to the team about it. We are creating history. It’s an iconic resort, so many legendary things have happened on this site,” says the resort’s managing director.

Those legendary events over the past 40 years include four Ryder Cups featuring a galaxy of golfing stars from Sam Torrance to Sir Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam to Seve Ballesteros and Colin Montgomerie. Now the Belfry is on the verge of writing a new chapter in its illustrious history – with over £80m of 21st century development.

August will mark the opening of The Masters Suite, an adaptable conference and exhibition space designed to host weddings, banquets and other celebrations, which has already triggered £65m worth of inquiries.

‘By the time the project is complete, we will have invested over £80m into transforming the resort’

The Masters Suite is the centrepiece of a wider £80m redevelopment, the biggest since the Ryder Cup was last staged at the resort in 2002 – and the biggest in the entire history of the historic landmark which has grown from its early days as a private house converted into a hotel into one of the UK’s best known international business and leisure venues.

Alongside the launch of the Masters Suite the famous resort on the edge of Sutton Coldfield will unveil a new state-of-the-art fitness and leisure club, transforming gym facilities for users of the club.

The dual development programme will not only bring a wealth of new events to the site, it will also create around 200 new

jobs, bringing the total workforce up to over 1,000. And the man at the helm of that 1,000 strong workforce, Chris Eigelaar – a key executive figure at the Belfry Hotel and Resort since

At the heart of that agreement was a recognition by the owners,

2018 – pinpoints the willingness of owners Goldman Sachs and Cedar Capital Partners to agree the “massive” investment programme.

who had bought the resort from KSL Capital Partners in 2021, that the Belfry had virtually become a victim of its own success, struggling to cope with increasing demand for its conference facilities.

Massive demand: Chris Elgelaar

South African born Chris, a UK resident since 2002, has a lifetime of working experience in the hotel industry, from Cape Town to London, Manchester and now in the director role at the Belfry, which he describes as the highlight of his career, explains the background.

“In November 2021, Goldman Sachs and Cedar Capital took nine months to review and understand our business plan and what they wanted to invest.

“Every year we will turn away millions of pounds worth of business. There’s massive demand and we can’t cater for the demand. We built a return on investment plan which showed that if we invest X amount of money will get the returns over X amount of years.

“The plan was developed by the resort’s senior leadership team and was fully endorsed by the new

ownership. Without hesitation, they agreed that this was the right direction for The Belfry. By the time the project is complete, we will have invested over £80m into transforming the resort.

“The first spade in the ground was 2023. Everything takes time. We are building a 600+ seater conference space overlooking the iconic 10th on the Brabazon and that sits next to the additional 149 bedrooms. We are looking forward to hosting some incredible events, banqueting events, dinner parties, weddings etc.

“We are also investing into a state-of-the-art leisure club, where we are going to have a family experience, a 48-metre slide, a two-lane swimming pool, sauna and steam experiences and a bubble pool outside, which has views of the golf course.

“There have not been any significant structures built on the resort since 2002 – until what we are now creating.”

So, with £80m worth of new investment under its belt, can the Belfry repeat its historic glories, bringing the Ryder Cup back to one of its spiritual homes after a gap of 33 years?

Chris says: “Yes, it is realistic to think that the Ryder Cup might come back here one day. We are currently having conversations about 2035.

“As a resort, would we like to host it? For sure. We have great relationships with the DP World Tour and with the PGA. We will continue to be very open-minded about it and will continue to have conversations to see if we can make the dream reality. It would be fantastic, incredible for the region.”

‘It is very important to us to make sure that we are an accessible resort’

But whether the Ryder Cup dream becomes reality or not, the Belfry team remain committed to ensuring that the hotel and resort stays true to its long tradition of ensuring its guests enjoy a warm welcome to its wide range of facilities.

“We have recently invested £250,000 into a new family play area, Woodland Adventures, which opened in April, and is very well used by locals and residents. It is

very important to us to make sure that we are an accessible resort.

“The Belfry is not just about a guest staying overnight, it is about staying overnight and also enjoying a great culinary experience in our restaurant, having a workout the next morning or a relaxing experience in the spa – or just enjoy a walk around the beautiful grounds.

“If you are a family with children of any age, we have go-karts, fun in the pool, or you can go and hit a few golf balls on the driving range or in the mini-golf or run wild in the Woodland Adventures playground.”

In an age of endless alternatives for youthful attention, The Belfry is also keen to catch potential future customers at a young age. “We work with local schools in inviting students to come and see what hospitality is, what golf is, what greenkeeping is. We do a lot of open days where we invite people into the resort to show that we are accessible – we want people to use the resort as much as they possibly can.”

While the Belfry will always be a prime golfing destination for the game’s many addicts, Chris stresses the resort is very much a “multilayered business” as it prepares to take the wraps off the Masters Suite and The Club.

“That’s the key to our success. We have a lot of different segments that we continually provide exceptional experiences to and that’s what makes the Belfry what it is today.”

Taking shape: The new Masters Suite

History: The British and Ireland Ryder Cup team celebrate a victory at The Belfry in 2002

Partnerships needed to plug the skills gap

Only by businesses, Government and education centres working together can the skills gap that is threatening the economic growth of the UK be plugged, according to a report by Pertemps Network Group.

Speaking at the Midlands Economic Summit, in Birmingham, Pertemps Network Group chair Carmen Watson said the country’s productivity puzzle could be solved with constructive collaboration, end-to-end planning and embedding diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) in the skills ecosystem. A White Paper on the topic, launched by Pertemps at the event, stated that unlocking business leadership skills was key to maximising Apprenticeship Levy returns on investment.

Carmen said: “Building a robust skills ecosystem is vital – not only to fill vacancies but to future-proof the economy. Failure to utilise skills represents a core bottleneck in the system, which requires a shift from a transactional labour market approach to a partnership-based work strategy.

“Real change requires a shift in mindset, from viewing skills as a support function, to treating them as a strategic asset. The best time to act was yesterday. The second best time is now.”

The White Paper document, Creating an Effective Skills Ecosystem to Future-proof UK Productivity, states there are currently 761,000 job vacancies in the UK – but the figure masks significant, deeper issues that

threaten productivity and jobs across the country.

These include:

• Sectors like engineering, social care and logistics face acute shortages

• Digital transformation has outpaced training provision

• Recruitment strategies are not evolving to recognise that candidates have significant bargaining power in many sectors.

Carmen said: “Businesses must use meaningful, localised data to get a realistic view of their skills landscape.

“Employers must collaborate with education establishments to ensure the next generation of workers have the skills needed by industry. In addition, end-to-end workforce

planning is essential, and DEI skills must be embedded into the skills ecosystem as diverse teams are more productive, better at problemsolving and more engaged.

“Employers must lead the way in reshaping the skills landscape, taking action to create a more productive, inclusive and futureready workforce.”

To read the full report go to: pertemps.co.uk

• More skills news on page 64.

Exhibitions explore legacy of legends

Tourism boost for the West Midlands

Two exhibitions are set to open in Birmingham celebrating the solo achievements and global awards of rock icon Ozzy Osbourne and the album art of the original Black Sabbath line-up.

The exhibitions coincide with their historic homecoming concert at Villa Park. The free-to-enter exhibition at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery called ‘Working Class Hero’ runs until 28 September and showcases Ozzy’s most prestigious international honours.

These include Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame accolades, MTV awards, Hollywood Walk of Fame and Birmingham Walk of Stars honours and a selection of his platinum and gold discs which recognise millions of record sales around the world, alongside photography and video that charts his journey from “a working-class kid from Aston” to becoming the world’s most recognisable global rock legend.

Fans can also enjoy a free outdoor Black Sabbath photography exhibition in Victoria Square, showcasing archive images of all four founding members of the band - Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward and Ozzy - alongside iconic album artwork and fascinating facts about the band’s Birmingham roots.

And on nearby Navigation Street, outside New Street Station, worldfamous spray artist Mr Murals has created a stunning 40-metre street-long artwork in tribute to Black Sabbath featuring their iconic logo and lifelike portraits throughout the last seven decades.

Sharon Osbourne said: “Ozzy is proof that no matter where you start in life, with passion, grit, and a little bit of madness, you can achieve the extraordinary.

“This exhibition is a thank you to the fans and the city of Birmingham – the place where it all began. We’re so proud to bring it home.”

The West Midlands economy has been given a £120m boost thanks to a business and tourism support programme that brought tens of thousands of visitors to the region while creating thousands of new jobs and training opportunities.

Mayor Richard Parker’s plan to reignite the regional economy has been bolstered by more than £70m of new business investment driven by the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) Economy, Trade and Tourism Programme.

The programme included an inward investment campaign and targeted support for businesses which has helped more than 250 businesses to grow and find new markets, creating or safeguarding around 12,000 jobs. The career prospects of another 11,000 local people have been significantly improved through jobs skills training, helping them find jobs, get onto training and work experience programmes, or study for a new qualification.

The mayor said: “Our Economy, Trade and Tourism Programme has delivered real results. It’s helped hundreds of local businesses grow, created new jobs, and trained thousands of people with the skills they need to get ahead.”

Shift in mindset needed: Carmen Watson Picture: Edwin Ladd

Kabaddi World Cup: Mayor Richard Parker with Ashok Das, president of both the England Kabaddi Association and World Kabaddi, and England team captains Athira Sunil and Hardeep Singh

King’s honours for local leaders

Business figures from across Greater Birmingham have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Among those honoured is Tracy Westall, chair of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce patron Curium Solutions, who has received an OBE for services to the digital sector and to diversity.

Tracy, who has chaired the Birmingham-headquartered leadership and business transformation firm since 2018, also holds a number of other non-executive roles including chair of WM5G and nonexecutive director at the Department for Transport.

Another OBE recipient, Professor Hanifa Shah, Birmingham City’s pro vicechancellor for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics), has been recognised for services to higher education.

As the pro vice-chancellor STEAM, Professor Shah leads the STEAM ambitions as outlined in the university’s strategy for 2030 and beyond, including embedding the STEAM agenda into education, research, and enterprise across all faculties. She is also executive dean of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment (CEBE).

BCU said in a statement on X: “Under Professor Shah’s leadership, BCU has become a national leader in emerging technologies and industrylinked education.

“She has championed a bold, interdisciplinary approach to learning and research, ensuring students gain real-world skills in fastevolving fields.”

Graham Lee, chairman of the Tamworth-based Statfold Narrow Gauge Museum Trust, has been awarded an MBE for his services to the railway industry as well as his charity work.

Graham has been instrumental in establishing Statfold as one of the country’s foremost centres for narrow gauge railway preservation.

In addition to his work with Statfold, Mr Lee has supported numerous charities and heritage organisations, contributing time, expertise, and funding to causes that promote education, community engagement, and historical preservation.

Exhibitions brought to life at Back to Backs

Solihull-based design studio P3 Design has worked with the National Trust’s Back to Backs in Birmingham to support two striking new exhibitions, each uncovering hidden histories at the heart of the city’s heritage.

Designer Peter Shrive provided creative direction and visual design for both exhibitions, working closely with senior programming and partnerships officer Isobel Grove to sensitively present personal and political stories through insightful visual storytelling.

Home in the Shadows, open until the end of September 2025, features powerful images from veteran documentary photographer Nick Hedges.

‘It was clear how important it was for us to

share his work, which is a vital part

of Birmingham’s social housing history’

The exhibition showcases a collection of photographs captured during Hedges’ work with the Birmingham Housing Trust and later with housing charity Shelter in the late 1960s and early 70s, revealing the often-overlooked realities of life in poor quality housing.

Peter Shrive said: “Nick not only has a strong personal and professional connection to Birmingham but has seen first-hand how life was for the last backto-back residents in the city. It was clear how important it was for us to share his work, which is a vital part of Birmingham’s social housing history, at Back to Backs,

the last surviving example of some of the homes Nick was invited into to photograph and share.”

Beyond Glitter and Feathers, created in collaboration with artist and activist Garry Jones, opened during Pride weekend and runs until May 2026.

The exhibition presents a vibrant collection of costumes and artwork reflecting Garry’s journey as an artist, LGBTQ+ rights advocate, and founder of the Birmingham AIDS and HIV Memorial.

Both exhibitions are open to the public as part of the National Trust’s continued work to represent diverse voices in British history. Visitors can access the exhibition space via the second-hand bookshop on Hurst Street. Exhibitions are free to enter and do not require pre-booking.

Summer sounds in Edgbaston

The line-up includes:

5 July Dan Lewis @ Loki

19 July Banners Gate @ Smoke + Ash

26 July Raf @ Chapter

2 August Dan Lewis @ Chapter

16 August Raf @ Loki

23 August Banners Gate @ Smoke + Ash

30 August Sam Strachan @ Chapter

All performances run from 3pm to 6pm.

Edgbaston Village is turning up the volume on Greenfield Crescent with a free live music series taking place every Saturday afternoon from 3pm to 6pm.

In partnership with Top Bar Music, one of Birmingham’s most beloved champions of live original music, Edgbaston Village is set to host a stellar line-up of emerging and established musical talent at some of the favourite local spots – Chapter, Loki, and Smoke + Ash.

Ben Drummond, musical director of Top Bar Music, said: “Top Bar has always been about spotlighting incredible, original talent, and this collaboration with Edgbaston Village allows us to do just that in a truly vibrant, community-focused setting.

“Whether you’re here for a drink, dinner, or simply to discover new music, you’ll be experiencing the next generation of artists who are shaping the UK music scene.”

Demi Swingler, marketing manager for Edgbaston Village, said: “Greenfield Crescent is already a hub for great food, drink, and socialising – now we’re adding a live soundtrack to make those summer Saturdays even more special.

“We can’t wait to welcome visitors to enjoy the atmosphere and support local musicians and businesses.”

Powerful images: The entrance to the Back to Backs exhibition

Sounds in the city: Every Saturday

Strategy to boost inclusive growth

Businesses across Greater Birmingham have had their say on a new strategy designed to unlock inclusive growth across the region.

The West Midlands Futures Green Paper was launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority in April 2025. It proposes ways to develop and transform the West Midlands to unlock inclusive growth – with the intention of increasing all residents’ living standards over the next 10 years.

With local firms being encouraged to contribute, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce released a briefing to summarise what the green paper means for business.

The Green Paper identifies strengths of the region, such as its £77bn economy and its highlyconnected location, with 90 per cent of the UK population able to reach the West Midlands within four hours. However, the strategy also highlights concerns around issues like low productivity for businesses and the highest national rates of child poverty.

It proposes six key areas of focus to try and boost the economy for everyone over the next ten years:

1 Developing high growth clusters as priorities for accelerating regional growth, including advanced engineering, Clean Tech, and modern professional and financial services.

2 Using business leadership and investment to boost productivity.

3 Making the West Midlands’ everyday economy (things like health, education, retail and construction) more productive while protecting workers.

4 Looking at how housing need and other spatial factors can be built.

5 Focusing on tackling youth unemployment, economic inactivity and underemployment.

6 Creating a narrative of the West Midlands that can be used to project a distinctive and positive image to the world.

Ruth Fleet, senior policy advisor at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “It is encouraging that the West Midlands Combined Authority is taking a long-term view of which strategic levers can be pulled to help boost the region’s productivity and its residents’ wellbeing.

“The West Midlands Futures Green Paper provided an opportunity for local businesses to have their say about the strategy.”

GBCC ensures Devolution Bill is business-friendly

A new briefing has been published by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) outlining the key implications of the forthcoming English Devolution Bill for the West Midlands.

The English Devolution White Paper is a proposal to transfer more powers from central government to regional administrations, a process that began in the late 1990s and is set to continue more broadly across England.

Much of the West Midlands has already been affected by devolution, with the creation of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in 2016, currently led by Mayor Richard Parker.

The government now plans to further devolve power to local authorities, both by extending the powers of existing strategic authorities and by creating new strategic authorities in other areas.

‘Further devolution presents exciting opportunities’

The WMCA received further powers on 1 April 2025, including its first integrated settlement, which allows the Combined Authority to manage its budget more freely across different policy areas.

The extended powers also give the WMCA more control over decision making, transport, skills, public services, housing and planning, and environment and climate change.

It is likely that South and East Staffordshire will also see administrative change in the next two years, although proposals for what that will look like are still under discussion with the government.

All local authorities have been asked to make proposals about how devolution could be extended to create new strategic authorities, which will cover a minimum population of 500,000 people but will have a smaller remit of control than Mayoral Strategic Authorities.

The deadline for proposals is 28 November this year.

GBCC will continue to monitor the devolution situation and report back to businesses about its impact.

Senior policy advisor Ruth Fleet said: “Further

devolution presents exciting opportunities, but we must continue to work collaboratively to ensure these opportunities are realised.

“The Chamber has strong working relationships with existing authorities across our region and nationally who share our ambitions to drive inclusive economic growth and increase prosperity.

“We will continue to work with these stakeholders to ensure that this transition of power is as straightforward for businesses as possible.”

To support the work on devolution, the Chamber is encouraging organisations to feed into the Quarterly Business Report Q2 survey. The application takes five minutes to fill out and participants stand a chance of winning a £150 voucher for The Bull's Head, Earlswood.

Plan needed to ease tax burden

Inflation for the month of May eased to 3.4 per cent as many expected, but business leaders in greater Birmingham are calling the government for an actionable plan to reduce tax burdens and trade frictions.

Data from the Office for National Statistics revealed that food prices increased by 4.4 per cent over the past year. Costs of furniture and household goods have also increased.

Transportation price increases, which rose over the Easter bank holidays in April, have slowed.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce head of policy Emily Stubbs said: “As firms continue to face mounting cost pressures, UK

inflation unsurprisingly remains well above the Bank of England's two per cent target, and higher than elsewhere in Europe.

“Looking ahead, manyincluding the bank of England - will also be concerned about the potential impact of conflict in the Middle East on supply chains and energy prices. With this uncertainty in mind, the bank decided to hold interest rates at 4.25 per cent, meaning borrowing costs for business will remain high.

“To boost confidence and unlock investment, businesses need government to produce a plan for easing their tax burdens and further reducing global trade frictions.”

Go to:

greaterbirminghamchambers.com to register for the Quarterly Business Report launch for Q2.

Middle East conflict concerns: Emily Stubbs

Opportunities: Ruth Fleet

HS2 needs to get back on track

speed rail line faces yet another delay.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told Parliament that the opening of HS2 will be delayed beyond the target date of 2033.

She released two reports into HS2 in a bid to “draw a line in the sand” and mark a government reset in how major infrastructure is delivered.

Under the original plans, HS2 was intended to create high-speed rail links between London and major cities in the Midlands and North of England.

It was expected to open in 2026 but the date was pushed back on several occasions – while plans for the northern leg were scrapped altogether.

However, HS2 has brought economic benefits to the West Midlands – with

Raj Kandola, acting deputy CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “This latest setback is hugely frustrating but not surprising given the ongoing reports about the overall cost of delivering HS2.

“Here in Greater Birmingham, we have already seen the impact HS2 has had in driving investor confidence across the region, as well as the thousands of jobs and apprenticeships that have been created.

“Businesses want to see Government take control of the situation and deliver a clear and cost-effective plan to get the project back on track.

“They must not lose sight of the wider socio-economic benefits and the transformational impact HS2 will bring if delivered properly.”

Transformational impact: HS2

Cadbury celebrate 90

In 1935, The Cadbury Foundation was created in memory of George and Richard Cadbury, who took over the running of the Cadbury business after their father, John Cadbury, kickstarted it over 200 years ago.

The charity embodies the Cadbury brothers’ belief that supporting local communities benefits both society and business, and for nine decades has been championing healthier lifestyles, skill-building for future generations, and supporting causes close to its employees’ hearts.

Ahead of the milestone anniversary we caught up with LOUISE STIGANT, managing director of Mondelez International UK and Ireland and Chair of Trustees, to talk about the Cadbury Foundation’s rich history, what’s in store to celebrate 90 years, and why it’s so important for big businesses to give back.

Can you tell us about the Cadbury Foundation?

The Cadbury Foundation, which was originally founded back in 1935 as “The Charitable Brothers Trust”, was established in recognition of the Cadbury brothers’ belief that supporting local communities benefits both society and business.

Since its beginning, the Cadbury Foundation has been a grant-giving charity to local communities across the UK and Ireland, helping local people and charities to flourish and better serve their communities. The very first grant recorded was on 8 November, 1935, for £40 to Stirchley Girls’ Club.

The Cadbury Foundation regularly donates financial grants to other organisations – but much more than money – it is our ongoing commitment to the local communities that we operate in and the involvement of our colleagues that sets us apart from other CSR initiatives.

The foundation has a few key focuses, including health and wellbeing, and skill development, but perhaps the thing that makes it stand out the most is how we involve our employees in our grant giving. We partner with big organisations but also back smaller UK charities that our employees care about.

What impact has the Cadbury Foundation had on local communities across the country?

In the last 15 years alone, we have donated more than £10m to charities and community partners. Each year, the foundation supports various charities and programmes across the UK, all of which positively impact local communities each year. The foundation also has longterm, strategic partnerships with organisations, such as Grocery Aid and IGD, enabling sustained positive impacts and increased reach. It’s tempting for businesses to jump from one initiative to the next, but the real difference comes from sticking with it. By staying

Involved in communities: Louise Stigant

The Cadbury procurement team take a break during their volunteering work

years of giving back

committed and tenacious, we can make a meaningful impact that truly lasts.

What about its impact in the West Midlands?

The Cadbury Foundation funds a whole host of projects and charities throughout the West Midlands and is particularly having a huge impact on healthier lives within the region.

For 13 years, we’ve supported students, parents, teachers and people in the West Midlands community to lead a healthier lifestyle through our Health For Life® programme. The programme aims to promote and encourage healthy eating, cooking skills, food growing and physical activity and has positively engaged with around 266,600 students and adults, helping them to live a healthier life.

Health for Life food growing spaces, run as Green Gyms®, have

also been funded for the local Birmingham community, in 20 places across the city.

How do colleagues get involved in the Cadbury Foundation?

We have a great culture of volunteering, and our colleagues are encouraged to share their time and expertise within their local communities, using team days as a chance to give back, with a focus on creating lasting change.

As part of the foundation’s 90th anniversary celebrations, we’re proud to be donating £9,000 to charities chosen by our colleagues.

Through our “Do What’s Right”

Bravo recognition programme, any colleague recognised in June had the chance to nominate a charity close to their heart. We randomly selected winners, and each charity they pick will receive a £100 donation. It’s a great way to

celebrate 90 years of the foundation, and give back to the causes that matter most to our team.

A key focus area of the foundation is colleague passions, and funding is allocated each year to programmes like ‘Cash Match’, where we match the money colleagues raise for charity. Our “Your Charity Your Choice” programme allows colleagues across the UK & Ireland to nominate and vote for wellbeing charities to receive donations that matter to them personally.

What’s next for the Cadbury Foundation?

This year, we have some incredibly exciting plans to celebrate 90 years of the Cadbury Foundation, all centred around charities and community projects across the UK&I, with the involvement of our colleagues. Alongside our regular grants, we will be making a £90,000 donation to Trussell (an anti-poverty charity and community of food banks), building on our existing partnership with

the Cadbury brand and colleague engagement, through foodbank collections and Christmas Jumper Day, which last year raised £15,000.

Internally, we’ll also be championing and celebrating our colleagues through our Purple Heart Awards – where the winners choose a charity of their choice to receive a £5,000 donation.

In terms of long-term and the future of the charity, the Cadbury Foundation was set up with just £40 in 1935. In the last 15 years alone, we’ve donated £10m, which I believe is a testament to how small acorns can grow into something incredible.

We make it our business to get involved in the communities in which we operate, and as we celebrate 90 years of making a difference, we’re inspired to build on this legacy and look forward to the next nine decades of supporting communities, empowering people and creating lasting impact.

Dig this: Cadbury staff at work during a volunteering day

Let your customers do the selling for you

Matt Black (pictured), review strategist and partner of Trustist, explains how your customers’ words can become your most powerful marketing asset.

Word of mouth, at scale

You already know that referrals work. But what if you could turn that quiet whisper of a compliment into something the world sees?

Trustist helps businesses collect and use their reviews in a way that drives visibility, builds trust, and attracts new clients... all without extra work. If you’ve got happy customers, it’s time to let them speak.

Trust drives enquiries

In a world full of choice, people don’t always know who to believe. That’s where social proof steps in.

A steady flow of genuine reviews makes you look credible and busy. More importantly, they help people choose you over the competition… especially when those reviews show up on Google, on your website, and even in your emails.

Trustist helps you put them everywhere that matters.

Set and forget

You don’t need to chase people, fiddle with links, or log into 17 different platforms. Trustist simplifies the boring bits… so collecting, sharing and showing off your reviews is easy.

You’ll look like you’re working really hard, even when you’re not.

Show, don’t sell

The businesses winning right now aren’t the loudest... they’re the most trusted. And nothing builds trust faster than seeing real people saying real things about you.

If you’re proud of the service you deliver, make it visible. Because when people believe what others say about you… they buy faster, and more often.

Let’s talk about how reviews could drive your next enquiry: T: 01216744245 | 07951580028

‘A steady flow of genuine reviews makes you look credible and busy. More importantly, they help people choose you over the competition’

Business leaders unite to champion Staffordshire

A new panel of business leaders is joining with Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) to champion growth across South and East Staffordshire.

The Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel will comprise business leaders across the region, in conjunction with the presidents of the Chambers of Commerce in Burton and District, Cannock Chase and Lichfield & Tamworth.

‘The Staffordshire Gateway area is a cohesive economic corridor’

Led by an independent chair, the panel will provide insight into the needs and priorities of businesses across the area, as well as specific intelligence on the economic make-up of the region.

The project will produce a report designed to proactively champion the voice of local businesses in the Staffordshire Gateway area ahead of the upcoming local authority changes as a consequence of the expanding

devolution of power from national government. Businesses in the South and East Staffordshire region will have the opportunity to contribute their voice via a survey, making this one of the biggest ever projects of its kind in the region.

The report will be presented to MPs and other local authority figures to highlight the key opportunities and challenges that businesses are facing.

GBCC acting deputy CEO Raj Kandola said: “The Staffordshire Gateway area is a cohesive economic corridor, linked by major industries like manufacturing, logistics, retail and services, and benefits from a strong transport network.

“With such a distinct economic identity, our Insights and Intelligence team can see great benefit in leading this piece of research to support growth across South and East Staffordshire.”

For further information visit: greaterbirminghamchambers.com

The Black Country Living Museum (BCLM) has been awarded Gold for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year at the 2025 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

This national honour celebrates the rich heritage, warmth, and authenticity that define both the Museum and the community it represents.

To win this award on the national stage is a powerful recognition of the Black Country’s cultural significance and the exceptional experience offered at the Museum.

Director and CEO Andrew Lovett OBE, who attended the ceremony, said: “It was a real privilege to represent the Museum and the Black Country at the awards ceremony.

“To take home the Gold is a proud moment for us all – and a well-earned recognition of the passion and dedication of our staff and volunteers.”

...as law firm hosts black tie charity ball

Staffordshire law firm KMC Legal has announced the return of its prestigious Black Tie & Tiara Charity Ball – supporting two charities, The James Bulger Foundation and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

It will take place on Friday, 26 September, at The Boathouse Function Suite, Aston Marina.

KMC Legal, led by solicitor Katie McCreath, is an all-female law firm specialising in criminal defence, commercial litigation, family law, and equine law.

This year, the firm will welcome Denise Fergus, mother of James Bulger and a voice for justice reform, as the guest of honour.

Denise spent over three decades

campaigning for victims’ rights and child protection in memory of her

son James, who was murdered in 1993. Through her work with The James Bulger Memorial Trust, she supports children who have been victims of crime, abuse, or social disadvantage – offering them lifechanging support and positive opportunities.

Instrumental in organising the ball is Kym Morris from Chamber member Legionella and Fire Safe Services, who is also chairwoman of the James Bulger Memorial Trust.

Kym said: “I’ve long wanted to bring a Black Tie & Tiara Ball to my local area, and I cannot thank Katie and the incredible team at KMC Legal enough for working so closely with the charity to help

make this happen. We’re fortunate to have supporters across the region, so it’s truly special to host such a meaningful and memorable evening right here in Staffordshire. I know it will be a night to remember – full of heart, purpose, and community spirit.”

The Black Tie & Tiara Charity Ball will feature a drinks reception, three-course meal, entertainment, and a charity auction - all in support of the two charities.

Tickets are £75 per person. Sponsorship and prize donation opportunities are available.

For tickets go to: tickettaylor.com and email hello@kmc-legal.co.uk for donations and sponsorships

Privilege: Andrew Lovett Gold award for living museum

Night to remember: Kym Morris

Great benefit: Raj Kandola

Where do you fancy?

Simpsons is set in a gorgeous Grade II-listed Georgian villa. Although the decor is bright and modern it respects the building’s elegance and heritage. The food, too, respects classical tradition, but is a contemporary take on British cuisine - combining influences from around the world in dishes based on fabulous, impeccably sourced seasonal ingredients. Simpsons has held a Michelin star since 1999 and proudly holds a host of other awards recognised in the industry as benchmarks of quality.

• One Michelin Star

• Three AA rosettes

Breakfast, lunch or dinner…

Lunch and dinner

The menus change with the seasons and are influenced by the availability of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available.

Wines

The extensive wine list showcases a wide range of exceptional wines from diverse regions around the world. Wines range from £42.00 per bottle.

Sommelier: Thomas

Business facilities

Simpsons have a private dining room which seats a maximum of 16 guests. Exclusive hire for up to 70 guests is also offered.

www.simpsonsrestaurant.co.uk

Owner: Andreas Antona Head chef: Luke Tipping Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday lunch: 12:00pm to 13:30 Wednesday to Friday dinner: 18:00 to 20:30

Saturday dinner: 18:00 to 21:00

Exclusive offer for Chamber members

20 per cent food discount available upon request when booking the private dining room. Mention Chamber membership and number. Contact: Steve Locklin

Chamber Patrons

Greater Birmingham Chambers’ leading supporters

Bishop Fleming eyes ambitious expansion

Bishop Fleming has revealed ambitious plans to expand into a national business through several strategic merger and acquisitions, backed by a minority private equity investment.

The leading audit, accountancy, tax, and advisory firm business based in Colmore Row has selected to partner with Synova - the innovative growth and private equity investor, which currently manages more than £1.7bn of capital in the UK, Ireland and Continental Europe across markets, including financial services.

The investment will enable Bishop Fleming to accelerate its planned growth strategy to become one of the leading national firms in the UK.

Managing partner Andrew Sandiford said: “We launched our Better Growth business strategy two and half years ago, designed to double the size of our business through sustainable organic growth.

“Our performance during that time has been unrivalled in the mid-market space, such that we are now extending that Better Growth vision to grow beyond £200m and over 2,000 people.

“This investment is the next logical step to develop Bishop Fleming on the national stage through strategic planned M&A activity.”

The proposed expansion will bring new capacity, capability, specialist expertise and talent into the business, ensuring the firm can build on its award-winning client service excellence, and continuing its ambition to be the most rewarding firm in the UK for its clients, its people and its communities.

The past 12 months has witnessed some significant milestones in Bishop Fleming’s growth ambition.

Charity partners with McDonald’s

Arrive Alive, a charity dedicated to funding lifesaving voluntary operated emergency vehicles and equipment, have partnered with a Chamber patron.

In association with Wright Restaurants Ltd, they will install 13 publicly accessible defibrillators and emergency bleed kits across their restaurant locations.

Wright Restaurants Ltd t/a McDonald’s has named Arrive Alive as its charity partner.

Douglas Wright MBE, Franchisee of Wright Restaurants Ltd t/a McDonald’s, said: “We proud to partner with Arrive Alive, supporting their life-saving mission to fund vital emergency vehicles.”

At the start of this year, the firm launched a new Birmingham office in Colmore Row – its ninth office.

The firm’s apprenticeship programme has been rated “Outstanding’”– only one of 18 Employer Providers in the UK to achieve such recognition, and it has been recertified as a Great Place to Work for the third year running.

From owner-managed businesses, SMEs, and large businesses to entrepreneurs and private individuals, Bishop Fleming offers full services across a diverse range of sectors.

With nine offices spanning the West Midlands to the South West, the Birmingham Chamber patron has 47 partners and over 500 staff.

For more information about Bishop Fleming visit bishopfleming.co.uk

Female team leads NEC sales

NEC Group Conventions has named a newly restructured, allfemale sales leadership team.

The team, based at ICC Birmingham, NEC Birmingham and the Vox Conference Venue, is now organised into three divisions:

• New Business – Agencies, led by Kelly Moore, who brings nearly 20 years’ experience with the NEC Group.

• New Business – Corporates, headed by Helen Wheatley, who has over 20 years’ experience in the events industry.

• Account Management, overseen by Becky Bohemia, who has been with the NEC Group for nine years.

The NEC Group has created a long-term food and beverage partnership with Levy UK + Ireland, a global leader in culinary experiences for events, sports, and entertainment venues.

Levy will take responsibility for all food and beverage operations across the NEC’s key venues.

The group also announced a series of new and renewed

partnerships. Hollywood Monster, a Birmingham-based leader in print and signage, has signed up as the group’s official print partner.

The NEC Group has welcomed Veezu as its official private hire taxi partner. A number of hotel partners have also recently renewed their status as official NEC Partner or Approved Hotel Suppliers. They include: Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel, voco St John’s Solihull Hotel, Windmill Village

Hotel, Golf & Spa, Manor Hotel Meriden, Arden Hotel & Leisure Club, Hampton by Hilton Birmingham Broad Street, ibis Styles Birmingham NEC & Airport and Moxy Birmingham NEC.

In addition, The Belfry Hotel & Resort are now a newly Approved Hotel Supplier to the NEC Group.

Freeths has recently renewed its status and will continue to provide business legal services to the wider group.

Life-savers: Doug Wright with Arrive Alive founders Ellie (left) and Debbie Roscoe

Spearheading new business (left to right): Helen Wheatley, Becky Bohemia and Kelly More

University unveiled as sponsor of bulls art trail

the headline sponsor for the Bulls in the City art trail in Birmingham this summer.

Birmingham Hospice has partnered with Wild in Art, a global producer of art trails, to create a live trail from 16 July to 14 September.

Based on the Bullring bull, the trail will be a stampede of 40 fibreglass bull sculptures which will be auctioned on Thursday, 16 October, to raise vital funds for the hospice.

The trail will support businesses as well as Birmingham Hospice, the city’s primary provider of adult hospice care. The hospice cares for people in the community, in people’s own homes or at its two hospice sites in Selly Park and Erdington.

125th anniversary and has pledged its civic commitment to Birmingham. This includes a responsibility to enrich its cultural, social, and economic fabric –making the organisation a perfect headline sponsor for Bulls in the City.

Rebecca Richards, Bulls in the City project lead, said: “This trail will not only bring enjoyment... but it will raise vital funds for Birmingham Hospice. We are only part-funded by the NHS and this year we need to raise £7.2m to continue our vital services.”

Ready for action: A Bull in the City

The university joins West Midlands Combined Authority as an existing headline sponsor for Bulls in the City.

Other businesses and organisations who have signed up to sponsor a sculpture include Selfridges, Brindleyplace and Paradise, DLA Piper, MHA and Salts

Healthcare, as well as local BIDS including Harborne and Central.

For more information go to: bullsinthecity.co.uk

1813 Club and Premier Members

Greater Birmingham’s leading companies

IN BRIEF

IKON Gallery has appointed Martin Green CBE as chair of the gallery’s Board of Trustees. He is director of the Eurovision Song Contest at the European Broadcasting Union, overseeing the world’s biggest music show.

He was previously head of ceremonies for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, director of Hull UK City of Culture 2017 and chief creative officer of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022. In 2023 for the BBC he led the BAFTA-winning Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine.

• More arts news – page 68

YOUNG people gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, to remember Anne Frank, the famous wartime diarist. The event took place 80 years after Anne’s death in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, on what would have been her 96th birthday.

Children from Home Ed-Venturers, an events group offering educational activities for home educated children and their families, participated in a learning activity day, creating art and poetry honouring Anne and her impact on the world.

UNIVERSITY Hospitals

Birmingham Charity has appointed Keith Bushell as their chair of trustees. He worked in four managing director and CEO roles in healthcare services for 23 years before semi-retirement in 2021, including providing NHS out of hours GP services.

He remains a non-executive director and chair of the Audit Committee of a rehabilitation and treatment provider where he was CEO for 12 years, and is also non-executive chair of a social care provider for adults with physical and/or learning disabilities.

Human space exhibition lands at Thinktank

An exhibition of one of the UK’s largest private collections of space artefacts from human space exploration has opened at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum.

The Space Vault Exhibition contains rare and historic objects brought back to Earth from the lunar surface, low-Earth orbit and outer space, from NASA’s Apollo missions and the Soviet space era to the American and Russian space shuttle programmes, International Space Station and SpaceX.

The exhibition brings together 12 curated stories of human space exploration “above the Earth and to the Moon” via immersive visuals and unique artefacts.

Highlights on display include the mission checklists that saved the crew of Apollo 13 when its oxygen tank exploded, Commander Dave

Scott’s spacesuit umbilical cord, through which he communicated his first words as he stepped onto the surface of the Moon, Lunar dust from the Hadley Rille landing site of Apollo 15, material from the Apollo 11 command module, a rare Soviet pressure suit and part of the nose cone of the first Starship to reach space.

General entry to the Space Vault Exhibition is included in the admission price for Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum.

Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid, cochief executives of Birmingham Museums, said: “We are excited to welcome The Space Vault Exhibition to Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum. This unique exhibition offers our visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience the aweinspiring past, present and future of human space exploration.”

Premier Membership

Contact: Gary Birch T: 0121 274 3236

Dr Michael Warner, director of The Space Vault Exhibition, said: “I am delighted that Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum is hosting the Space Vault Exhibition, providing an exciting opportunity for visitors of all ages to explore these thrilling artefacts.”

...as GIANTS come to town

Birmingham Museums and National Museums Scotland have announced the UK debut of GIANTS, a spectacular touring exhibition developed by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and toured by Nomad Exhibitions.

The immersive showcase of giant prehistoric animals will open at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on 2

August, before travelling to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh in January 2026.

GIANTS invites visitors on a journey through time, from 66 million years ago to the present day, to encounter the awe-inspiring creatures that roamed the Earth after the extinction of the dinosaurs.

The exhibition features life-sized 3D models and nearly complete skeletons, including the formidable Otodus megalodon, the mightiest shark of all time, the Mammuthus primigenius or woolly mammoth, weighing in at between six and eight tons with long thick fur and imposing tusks and Gigantopithecus blacki, an Asian primate comparable in size to three orangutans.

Interactive elements allow visitors of all ages to step into the shoes of palaeontologists and biologists, engaging with the scientific processes behind fossil discovery and reconstruction.

Immersive projections transport audiences into the natural habitats of these colossal beings, providing context to their existence and eventual extinction.

New giants have emerged since, such as elephants, rhinoceroses and whales, but they are now too under threat of extinction.

Out of this world: Space suit on display in the Space Vault Exhibition at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum

Woolly mammoth: A lifesize 3D model of Mammuthus primigenius

Casting announced for Holmes caper

Birmingham Rep has announced key casting news for the much-anticipated World Premiere of Sherlock Holmes and The Twelve Days of Christmas, a new play with songs.

The show will be premiered at The Rep from Friday 14 November 2025 to Sunday 11 January 2026.

Humphrey Ker and David Reed, the co-writers of the new comedy whodunnit, will be playing Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson respectively.

They are joined by award-winning comedian and actor John Kearns as Inspector Lestrade and comedy actress and podcaster Margaret Cabourn-Smith.

Humphrey said: “As diehard Sherlock Holmes fans, Dave and I are absolutely delighted to have tricked the Birmingham Rep into allowing us to write and star in a wildly silly Holmes and Watson adventure.

“And to do it with such beloved friends and collaborators in Margaret, John, Tim, Andrew and directing superstar Phil Breen is the stuff of dreams.”

David added: “Humphrey and I have been obsessed with the characters of Holmes and Watson ever since we met on a stage in Edinburgh some 20 years ago. We pastiched them in our first radio series The Brothers Faversham and crowbarred them into our turns on BBC Two improvised sketch show Fast & Loose.”

Sherlock Holmes and The Twelve Days of Christmas features original songs by the legendary musical theatre duo Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The full casting has also been revealed for new musical Starter for Ten which comes to The Rep this autumn from Wednesday, 22 October, to Saturday, 1 November 2025.

Alongside the previously announced actress, presenter, comedian and writer Mel Giedroyc, who will play the role of Brian’s mum, Irene Jackson, and Bamber Gascoigne’s irresistible sidekick Julia Bland, Adam Bregman, will play Brian, Miracle Chance, plays the role of Lucy, and Will Jennings plays Patrick.

Stuff of dreams: Humphrey Ker

Teacher shares expertise in USA

A quality coach and English lecturer from Solihull College & University Centre delivered a speech at an international teaching conference in Texas.

The NISOD International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence in Austin connects people from across the world. Attendees enjoyed dynamic sessions, hands-on workshops, and powerful keynote addresses, all focused on enhancing student success and advancing teaching and leadership skills.

Rachel Arnold was the only international speaker, talking about the Further Education context in England.

Rachel said: “It was a privilege to share my breakout session with such an engaged and thoughtful audience.

“It was encouraging to chat about future collaboration and recognise teachers across the world all face the same engagement barriers. We can then come together to find solutions.”

Rachel was able to include valuable insights from her research and what she has learned from implementing initiatives where the students become the experts and they are empowered to lead.

Dr Rebecca Gater, principal, said: “We are incredibly proud of Rachel and her continued contributions to the field of education.

“It’s fantastic to see her sharing her research on an international stage.”

Black Sabbath ballet takes the US by storm

Birmingham Royal Ballet, in partnership with the University of Birmingham, hosted a civic reception at the Kennedy Center in Washington to mark an acclaimed first tour of Black Sabbath - The Ballet in the United States.

Attended by British Ambassador to the United States Lord Mandelson and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham Cllr. Ken Wood, the reception acted as a curtain-raiser to the company’s landmark performance of Black Sabbath - The Ballet.

The ballet was the centrepiece of a programme of events led by the university to celebrate its 125th anniversary and deepen transatlantic ties.

In the week-long programme guitarist Marc Hayward and BRB soloist Riku Ito performed a solo excerpt from Black Sabbath - The Ballet at the Embassy as part of a special roundtable event on creative industries.

Andréa Edwards, director of global relations at the University, said “Our collaboration with BRB is a testament to the university’s belief in the power of culture to connect people, challenge perceptions, and celebrate identity. It’s also a reminder that

Birmingham’s story is still being written - loudly, proudly, and with a killer guitar solo.”

BRB’s visit to Washington marked the company’s first performances on the Kennedy Center stage before transferring to Norfolk, Virginia, as part of the Virginia Arts Festival.

Region among top for FDI

The West Midlands was among Europe and the UK’s best performing regions for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects in 2024, new data reveals.

The EY 2025 UK Attractiveness Survey ranked 259 regions across Europe according to the number of FDI projects each attracted in 2024.

The West Midlands attracted 86 FDI projects in 2024, making it Europe’s joint 14th best performing region for investment, alongside North West England.

Also with the North West, the West Midlands was the UK’s jointthird best performing region for attracting inward investment, behind Greater London (265) and Scotland (135).

The United States has been the largest source of investment projects in the West Midlands over

the last decade, contributing one in five (20 per cent) of inward investment projects in the region last year.

Birmingham remained the West Midlands’ leading destination for investment but its project total in

2024 was 66 per cent lower than the number it had recorded in 2023. Coventry (nine), Telford (seven), Warwick (six), and Nuneaton (six) were among the region’s other key local destinations for investment.

Simon O’Neill, office managing partner for EY in the Midlands, said:

“The overall investment picture across the Midlands remained compelling last year as the region maintained its position as a key European region for FDI and the East Midlands became one of the few UK regions to increase its project total year-on-year.

“Looking ahead, it’s important that local policymakers continue to work closely with businesses and the government to develop a coordinated inward invest strategy for the Midlands that plays to the region’s strengths.”

Privilege: Rachel Arnold

Embassy reception: Carlos Acosta (left) with the British Ambassador to the United States, Lord Peter Mandelson

Key region: Simon O’Neill

Global Chamber Patrons

New investors to support airport’s growth

Birmingham Airport has a new shareholder, after Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan agreed to sell its stake to Macquarie Asset Management.

Macquarie is acquiring ownership stakes in Birmingham, Bristol and London City airports from OTPP.

OTPP first invested in UK airport infrastructure in 2001 before acquiring a direct shareholding in Birmingham Airport (BHX) in 2007. Since then, Birmingham has

experienced 35 per cent growth in passengers to over 13 million at the end of 2024.

Significant investments have been made to modernise and expand BHX, including extension of the runway, the opening of a new pier, a new baggage system, upgraded security and check-in areas and an enhanced passenger drop off area.

Macquire is acquiring a 26.5 per cent stake in BHX from OTPP. The rest of the airport is owned by the

Midlands councils and an employee share trust.

Charles Thomazi, senior managing director and head of infrastructure in EMEA at Ontario Teachers’, said: “UK airport infrastructure has been a key area of focus for Ontario Teachers’ over the past 20 years and we’re very proud to have supported Bristol,

Birmingham and London City as they’ve grown, developed and continued to strengthen the experience for passengers.

“We are confident that BHX, BRS and LCY will continue to flourish and are pleased to be passing the baton to new investors Macquarie as they support them in the next stage of their growth.”

West

Birmingham Airport: Continuing to flourish

Updates and useful information from the largest ethnic support organisation in the UK

Contact: Anjum Khan

T: 0121 274 3255

Resilience celebrated at Eid

The power of resilience and creating a brand were the key topics at the Eid Business Celebration, organised by the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce.

Hosted by ABCC board member Trina Tiernan, the event took place at The National Conference Centre and welcomed over 120 guests.

Eid-al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important Islamic holidays. It commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Celebrated around the world by Muslims, it involves special prayers, charitable giving, and the ritual sacrifice of an animal (often a sheep, goat, or cow), with the meat shared among family, friends, and those in need.

It also marks the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

During the event, a panel discussion was held exploring resilience and creating a brand.

Panellists included Sana Saddique, founder and director of Collective Law Solicitors, Saima Duhare, founder of It’s Halal, and Allia Khan, founder of Mansion 28. The session was chaired by Omar Rashid, the honorary chair of the ABCC. Saima Duhare shared her powerful story of perseverance in the face of adversity. She launched Halal Fresh to bring healthy, nutritious halal meal kits to her community, but faced a

2.5-year legal battle brought by HelloFresh, which she ultimately lost. Undeterred, she went on to found It’s Halal, a platform dedicated to clean, tayyab eating rooted in Islamic values and community wellbeing.

‘Eid-al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of

the most important Islamic holidays’

Saima said: “When I started Halal Fresh, I only had my faith to guide me. I was resolute that my mission wouldn’t change. The resilience came from the faith I had. Even though I knew I was in a losing legal battle, there was a fire inside me –and that faith paid off in the end.

“We’ve lost our connection to food with the rise of fast food. I’m not part of that world. I’m creating something with impact, carving my own path.

“My legacy is about change, courage, and consciousness. Take your space. Stand strong. Have courage – and absolute faith.”

Allia Khan, a respected legal professional and founder of fashion brand Mansion 28, spoke about her own path from private practice to entrepreneurship.

Former winner sponsors ABCC Chamber award

A new sponsor has been announced for the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce annual dinner and awards ceremony.

Used car dealership V12 Sports and Classics will sponsor the Outstanding Male Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Its CEO and founder, Farhad Tailor, was named Outstanding Male Entrepreneur of the Year at last year’s awards.

He said: “As the current winner, I’m proud to sponsor the Asian Business Chambers of Commerce Male Entrepreneur of the Year award – to celebrate the drive, innovation, and resilience that define our community's brightest business leaders.”

The awards night will take place at the National Conference Centre in Solihull on 27 November.

Mansion 28, known for its bold and elegant modestwear, donates most of its profits to charity. She is also a Krav Maga instructor and a lead member of Woman in Wheels – the first allladies luxury car club in the UK.

Sharing her story, Allia said: “Through my business, I wanted to make modesty accessible to all. With Mansion 28, we donate most of our profits to charity – that was always part of the vision.

“Resilience for me began as a lawyer in private practice. It’s about how you pick yourself up when things go wrong. It’s built through consistency and relationships.”

Allia is also among the top five LinkedIn legal influencers. She continued: “I wasn’t on LinkedIn for years. But once I started sharing my thoughts and journey, I saw how powerful it could be. Just start. Share your ideas. Add value. Be visible.”

Sana Saddique, founder and director of Collective Law Solicitors, brought her own unique perspective to the conversation.

A driven legal professional and entrepreneur, Sana has built her career with purpose and integrity, and she continues to challenge the status quo through her work.

She said: “Faith is absolutely integral to who I am. It governs how I practise law and how I run my business. It’s more than just a business – it’s a platform with purpose.

“Resilience has been the theme of my career. As a Muslim leader in a male-dominated industry, I’ve always wanted to show what’s possible – regardless of what you look like.

“Social media is powerful, but there’s no hiding. People have judged me based on how I look. But I won’t be ashamed of who I am.”

The event also included remarks from Helen Davies, group business development manager at the National Conference Centre, who shared information about the venue – home to the UK’s largest collection of British motorcycles.

Resilience in business (left to right): Trina Tiernan, Allia Khan, Saima Duhare, Sapreena Kumari, Omar Rashid, Neelam Afzal, Sana Saddique, Helen Davies, and ABCC director Anjum Khan

Women in Business event taps into the power of community

Women-led businesses from the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) came together for an evening of networking and empowerment.

The event was part of the ABCC’s Women in Business network, which offers members access to inspirational guest speakers, tailored support, and a strong peer network.

Guest speaker Tammy Takker, CEO of Active Clinics, spoke about the importance of connection and conversation in empowering women.

She also shared her personal journey, shining a light on often overlooked topics such as menopause, hormonal health, mental wellbeing, and gut health.

‘It was an uplifting event that reminded us of the power of community’

Tammy said: “It’s always amazing to see how open, supportive, and curious women are when given a safe space to talk about important issues.

“It was an uplifting event that reminded us of the power of community. As women in business, it can often feel isolating, but when we come together – sharing experiences, ideas, and tips –we realise we’re not alone.

“The energy in the room was empowering. Anjum and the team have done an incredible job in creating an inclusive and meaningful event.

“The venue was perfect, the format was engaging, and the attendees left feeling uplifted and inspired.

“Events like this are essential – not only for business growth but for personal and emotional wellbeing, especially among women balancing multiple roles.”

Monica Ghai, ABCC vice-president who led the event, said: “I was delighted to host our fifth

Family-run wholesale firm celebrates fifth anniversary

Lioncroft Wholesale – now the Midlands’ largest independent wholesaler – is celebrating five years in business.

Founded in June 2020 by Dr Jason Wouhra OBE (pictured), the business is rooted in the legacy of East End Foods, a familyrun enterprise established over 50 years ago to supply Asian groceries to Britain’s growing migrant communities.

The original business was started by Jason’s father Jasbir Wouhra and his brothers before being sold to a private equity firm in 2019.

(chairman), mother Pam, and brother Indi (associate director).

Operating from depots in Aston and Smethwick, Lioncroft now supplies over 10,000 retail customers across the region, cementing its place as a leader in the Midlands food and drink sector.

Fuelled by a passion for wholesale, Jason reacquired the wholesale arm and relaunched it as Lioncroft Wholesale alongside his wife Daali (chief operating officer), father Jasbir

Jason said: “We want Lioncroft to be the best and most respected operator in the industry.

“This vision is underpinned by our values of honesty, opportunity, purpose and energy. These spell HOPE which we know resonates with everyone

– we all hope to build a better tomorrow.

“There is a lot of competition, but we have carved out our own path in a very crowded landscape.”

ABCC Women in Business event today which was focused upon women’s health and wellbeing.

“These events are aimed at our ABCC female members to support, share and gain valuable knowledge within a likeminded business community.

“I am so thrilled to be leading this on behalf of the ABCC and looking forward to our next series of events later this year.”

Committee members visit healthcare service

Members of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) executive committee visited the newly built Practice Plus Group at Edgbaston.

Members were given exclusive access to the facilities.

Practice Plus Group was founded as Care UK in 1982 and rebranded in 2020. Today the healthcare services include hospitals and surgical centres treating both NHS and private patients, GP practices, NHS walk-in centres, GP out-of-hours, prison health services and clinical assessment and diagnostics facilities.

They also work with the NHS to take healthcare services closer to where people live and work – increasing the efficiency and quality of the services and helping to reduce waiting times.

Leaders in focus: Attendees of the ABCC Women in Business event

Contact: Richard Brooks T: 07796 242029

Funding delivers Skills Hub

A new innovation and Skills Hub has opened at South Staffordshire College’s Cannock Campus – made possible through a £250,000 investment from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The primary goal of the UKSPF is to build pride in place and increase life chances. The fund aims to improve the place people live in, and support individuals and business.

Located within a newly refurbished facility at the Cannock campus, the Innovation and Skills Hub is a modern, fully equipped training space.

The Hub will offer a range of programmes, including Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), which enable local people to develop sector-specific skills with the support of the college and local employers.

Participants will benefit from work experience placements, tailored employability support, and guaranteed job interviews, helping to remove key barriers to employment. A dedicated interview preparation room is also available to help individuals build confidence.

Digital collaboration suites are available for hire at affordable rates, offering space for meetings, training, and professional development activities. Bespoke training services tailored to business needs can also be delivered.

Councillor Tony Johnson, Leader of Cannock Chase Council, said: “This exciting initiative has been made possible through the Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund investment.

“This state-of-the-art centre at South Staffordshire College’s Cannock Campus has transformed a disused building into a vital resource for business training and employment support.”

Solicitors recognise talent with string of promotions

An award-winning West Midlands law firm has announced a series of internal promotions as it continues to recognise and reward outstanding talent within the business.

Among the latest promotions at Ansons Solicitors’ Cannock office are three director appointments to strengthen the senior leadership team and position the firm for continued growth across its core practice areas.

Matthew Easter, a solicitor in the commercial property team, has been promoted to director.

Elaine Durkin, who heads up the residential conveyancing team, has also been promoted to director. Emma Rowley, a key member of the corporate and commercial department, joins the firm’s leadership as director.

The firm has also recognised a number of other team members:

• Tracey Lane was promoted to associate director, wills, probate & trusts.

• Tom Johnson was promoted to associate director and senior management accountant.

• Satnaam Kaur was promoted to senior associate solicitor, Wills, Probate & Trusts.

• Alex Medford was promoted to associate solicitor, dispute resolution.

• Emma Humperson, who recently qualified as a Solicitor, now joins the corporate and commercial department.

Martin de Ridder, managing director of Ansons, said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see colleagues grow and succeed within the firm.”

Child’s play: Children enjoy the dinosaur topiary

Roarsome resident needs a new name!

Cannock Park has a new leafy resident –and it needs a name.

A stunning topiary dinosaur has taken root in Cannock Park, bringing a touch of prehistoric fun to the popular green space. Planted with support from the Trees for Climate programme, this feature is already turning heads and is set to become a local landmark.

Now, Cannock Chase Council is calling on local children and families to help officially name the dinosaur by entering a competition.

Entries should be emailed to parksandopenspaces@cannockchasedc.gov. uk by Friday, 19 July.

Innovation in focus: Personnel at the Cannock campus

Promotions galore (left to right): Satnaam Kaur, Alex Medford, Emma Rowley, Tom Johnson and Tracey Lane

Contact:

Richard

Brooks

T: 07796 242029

New venue for awards lunch

Burton Chamber’s flagship celebratory lunch is back – and this year will take place at a stunning new venue.

Taking place on Monday, 24 November, at Branston Golf & Country Club, the celebration will shine a light on the best of Burton & District businesses.

The four award categories up for grabs this year are below:

• Burton & District Start-up Business of the Year

• Burton & District Young Professional of the Year

• Burton & District Business of the Year

• Burton & District President’s Award - Chosen and Sponsored by Burton & District President.

The awards are open to both members and non-members based

within the Burton and District area. Applications will close on 15 September at 11:59pm.

Richard Brooks, head of Burton District and Cannock Chase Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Burton Celebratory Lunch is a brilliant opportunity to shine a spotlight on the success stories of our local business community.

‘Make

sure you get your tickets early and don’t miss out’

“With four fantastic awards, Business of the Year, Start-Up of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, and the President’s Award –it’s a true celebration of talent, innovation and hard work across our region. I can’t wait to welcome

Manufacturer expands team with new talent

Burton-based sign manufacturer Hardy Signs has expanded its team with new talent in the marketing and fabrication departments.

Chloe Waring and Lara Holland will be joining the marketing team, bringing fresh energy and new perspectives to digital and business strategies.

Chloe is currently studying her Level 3 Multichannel Marketing Apprenticeship at EMA Training, while Lara is gaining hands-on experience alongside her T-Level in Business at Burton and South Derbyshire College.

Joining the Hardy Signs state-of-the-art fabrication department is Tom James, an experienced welder with a wealth of knowledge from his previous fabrication roles.

His expertise and passion for precision engineering make him a valuable asset.

Managing director Nik Hardy said: “At Hardy Signs, we are committed to investing in talent and expanding our in-house capabilities.

“Welcoming Chloe, Lara and Tommy to the team reflects our dedication to both professional

everyone to our stunning new venue this year, Branston Golf & Country Club.

“Make sure you get your tickets early and don’t miss out – and if you're looking to raise your profile, ask about our fantastic event sponsorship packages. Let’s get behind this celebration and make it bigger and better than ever before.”

development and delivering outstanding signage solutions.

“We look forward to seeing their contributions help drive the business forward.”

With a continued focus on innovation, quality and team development, Hardy Signs remains at the forefront of the signage industry, ensuring customers receive exceptional service from concept to installation.

Tickets are priced at £50+VAT per person.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities and to book your tickets, visit the events page at greaterbirminghamchambers.com For any queries, email burtonawards@birminghamchamber.com

Milestone celebrated with company rebrand

A Burton-based firm offering tailored print management solutions is celebrating their 35th anniversary with a rebrand.

A & A Digital Copiers, founded in 1989, has been rebranded to A & A Digital Group. While photocopiers remain at the core of the business, their offerings have expanded into a growing range of digital workplace solutions.

A & A Digital Group has also joined the Burton & District Chamber of Commerce.

Managing director Allan Brown said: “Reaching 35 years in business is something I’m incredibly proud of. While the technology has changed, our commitment to our clients hasn’t. Here’s to continuing that tradition, while embracing what’s next.”

Best of Burton: Blu Hardy, Burton & District's Future Face; David MitchellPresident of Cannock Chamber of Commerce; Nik Hardy - founder and managing director of Hardy Signs, winner of Burton & District Business of the Year; Richard Wileman - President of Burton & District Chamber of Commerce, Dr Nasir Awan - President of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce; and Shaun Gray - winner of an earlier President’s award

Pictured from (left to right): Allan Brown with his son and sales and marketing representative Jonathon

New recruits (left to right): Tom James, Chloe Waring, Lara Holland with Nik Hardy

Olympic athlete visits new leisure centre

Double Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington has praised the transformation taking shape in Lichfield – as the district’s new, state-of-the-art leisure centre celebrated a major construction milestone with a topping out ceremony.

Rebecca joined civic leaders, project partners and local organisations at Stychbrook Park, where the main structure of the new £11.3m facility is now complete.

Due to open its doors in December 2025, the new centre is set to become a flagship destination for sport, health and wellbeing in the region. It will feature a 25-metre swimming pool, an 80-station gym, modern spin and dance studios, a community room, and an outdoor 3G pitch with new changing facilities replacing the ageing Friary Grange Sports Centre with a 21st-century alternative.

As founder of ReCreation, the specialist leisure consultancy which has led the development of the leisure centre, Rebecca marked her second visit to the site, having taken part in the groundbreaking ceremony last autumn.

During the event, she toured the progress to date, signed one of the final beams alongside civic and project leaders, and spoke with representatives from local sports clubs, community organisations and council members.

Rebecca, who won two swimming golds at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, said: “I’m excited to see the new Lichfield leisure centre coming to life.

“Having access to modern swimming facilities is so important for inspiring the next generation of swimmers and creating opportunities for local communities to develop healthy habits and lifelong, active skills.

“I’m incredibly proud of the team at ReCreation, who have developed a wonderful facility to maximise the investment from Lichfield District Council, Spaces like the new Lichfield leisure centre at Stychbrook Park can truly transform lives and promote healthy, active lifestyles.”

Contact:

Charlie Elliott T: 07753 453624

Insurance expert takes on vice-president role

An insurance industry expert and respected business owner has been appointed as a vicepresident of the Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce.

Martin Hall (pictured), who has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance sectors, is the managing director of his own firm M Hall Limited – a business established in 2022 to provide insurance market intelligence, mentoring and advocacy.

He has been co-opted as vicepresident following a majority vote from the Chamber’s executive committee.

West Midlands dual entry primary school and an enterprise adviser to secondary schools.

Martin said: “I am delighted and very proud to be appointed vice-president of Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce.

“I grew up in Tamworth and have lived and worked in the area for over 35 years.

As well as running his own business, Martin sits on the board of several small tech companies and chairs the music education charity Services for Education. The Tamworthborn businessman is also chair of governors at a

“The business community here is vibrant, confident and ready to shout about what’s great about the area –supporting this is an absolute privilege. I’m looking forward to working with president Fiona Rouse, and fellow vice-presidents Hannah Montgomery and Julie Poppleton - three superstars of our business community - and the executive committee.

“I care deeply about helping businesses grow and be a positive force in their communities. I can’t wait to get stuck in!”

Students get creative to design Grace Cares van

Students in Lichfield have been recognised for their role in a national design campaign supporting sustainability and social care.

Not-for-profit organisation Grace Cares held its second “Pimp Our Ride” creative competition.

The winning design has been chosen and is now featured on the back doors of the Grace Cares van.

The campaign invited students of all ages and abilities to design a graphic inspired by kindness, sustainability, and health and social care.

After receiving 37 entries from across the country, the top nine finalists were judged by a panel made up of older people supported by Grace Cares and care providers nationwide.

The winning design, created by Imogen Daws from South Staffordshire College, was unveiled at the Lichfield Bower, where it was seen for the first time on the Grace Cares van during the

procession. The van will now be used to collect and redistribute care equipment across the UK.

“This campaign was a joyful blend of creativity, connection and community,” said Grace Cares’ co-founder Hannah Montgomery.

“It gave students the chance to use their talents to celebrate values we live by every day – care, sustainability, and social impact. The unveiling at the Bower was the perfect celebration.”

Grace Cares is the charity of the year for Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce.

Fiona Rouse, president of Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber, said: “As a former teacher, I know how powerful creative opportunities like this can be in helping young people feel seen, valued, and connected to their community.

“It was an honour to present the award to Imogen and support Grace Cares, our Charity of the Year.”

Transforming Lives: Rebecca Adlington

Celebrating values (left to right): Fiona Rouse, Imogen Daws and Helen Plester from South Staffordshire College and Hannah Montgomery

Contact: Charlie Elliott T: 07753 453624

New president to be welcomed at AGM

Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce will appoint a new president at its forthcoming annual general meeting.

The successor to current president Naeem Arif will be revealed at the AGM, taking place at Moor Hall Hotel on 7 July.

A new vice-president is also set to be appointed.

Naeem, director of NA Consulting, said: “It’s been an honour to serve as president during the past two years, working on a number of initiatives to help support our members through difficult economic times.

“We have an important position to play in our region and we will always strive to ensure we

represent our members’ best interests as well as the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield.

“While I will stay on the committee as honorary chairman, it’s important to get behind and support the new president and committee members.”

During the AGM, the president and key Chamber figures will look back on the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber’s activities over the past year – including this month’s trip to Parliament to share views with MP Andrew Mitchell.

It’s also an opportunity for delegates to meet new and returning committee members.

Pulling power: Retro Games is “team building done right”

Retro Games to make return at garden centre

are among the activities on the agenda when the Retro Games return to Sutton Coldfield Workplace teams can sign up to go headto-head in a series of nostalgic races and quirky challenges during the event organised by Inspire Activity.

The popular team building event takes place on Thursday, 17 July (4pm to 7pm) at The Fig and Olive, part of the Coppice Garden Centre, near Sutton Coldfield.

It costs £295 (plus VAT) to enter a team of four to six colleagues.

Dennis Kennedy, founder of Inspire Activity, which also operates the Community Games,

Former TV producer launches content agency

A Sutton Coldfield-based television producer who worked on hit shows including Come Dine With Me, Gogglebox and Alan Carr’s Chatty Man has launched a new video content agency.

Founded by Scott Billing, Big Wave Creations specialises in video content production and social media management, supporting businesses in expanding their online presence across platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Scott spent five years as a TV producer on a number of high-profile Channel 4 shows including Come Dine With Me, Four In A Bed, Alan Carr’s Chatty Man and Gogglebox – the latter of which earned his team a BAFTA.

building done right.

‘This is more than just a laugh – it’s team building done right’

“You’ll walk away with stronger relationships, improved communication, a shared sense of achievement, and a team that's genuinely more bonded than when they arrived.”

To book a place email: dennis@inspireactivity.co.uk

For the past eight years, he has worked in video and social media agencies, producing content that has reached hundreds of millions of viewers.

“We’ve built Big Wave Creations to deliver video and social content that’s clear, effective and built for how people actually engage online,” said Scott.

“It’s great to already be working with a range of clients who value that approach.”

Big Wave Creations offers endto-end content production, strategy, and channel management.

The agency’s early client base includes businesses in tech, recruitment, and live events.

In the frame: Scott Billing expanding online presence

Honour: Naeem Arif

All the latest news, advice and events for the Solihull business community

Contact: Samantha Frampton

T: 0121 678 7488

Security expert joins as patron

By Darby Newman

Security services firm MAN Commercial Protection Ltd have become patrons of Solihull Chamber of Commerce.

MAN Commercial Protection Ltd is a privately-owned, family-run security company based in Solihull. Founded in 1993, the company now employs over 1500 people throughout the UK. With a focus on providing excellent customer service and fulfilling their team’s potential, MAN Commercial has become a Top-20 UK Security Company.

MAN Commercial are experienced providers of security guarding and systems solutions, working throughout the UK, across a wide range of locations and

sectors for a prestigious portfolio of clients:

• Keyholding and alarm response

• CCTV operation

• Loss prevention

• Reception and concierge services

• Retail and leisure

• Events security management.

MAN Commercial Protection were also crowned the Business of the Year at the Solihull Awards 2024.

The Chamber also recognised them for their excellence in training and development, after opening their own training academy in Solihull, where the team offer Highfieldaccredited SIA training, as well as customer service, fire marshal, first aid and toolbox talks.

Iain McCallister, CEO at MAN, said: “Following an exciting 18 months as

MP meets with the community at expo

Saqib Bhatti, MP for Meriden and Solihull East, took his own stall at Visit Knowle Expo at the Greswolde Hotel, creating an opportunity to engage directly with the local business community.

The former president of both Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, said he was delighted to have the chance to meet “many fantastic business owners”.

The Expo was organised by Visit Knowle to bring together medium and small businesses in a networking environment.

Head of Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Samantha Frampton and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce New Business manager Becky Black also exhibited at the expo.

members, we are proud to become Patrons of Solihull Chamber.

“As a large employer in Solihull with strong links to the local community, we see this partnership as a fantastic opportunity to support

the region’s growth, collaborate with like-minded organisations, and champion the values that drive both business and community success.

“Solihull has played a key role in our journey over the last 32 years.”

Solihull Hospital’s Memory Garden officially opens

Solihull Hospital Charity has officially opened the Solihull Hospital Memory Garden.

Located outside the North Entrance of the hospital, the garden was funded by local business, GM Building and Property Services Limited.

The purpose of the garden is to provide a peaceful and calming space away from the busy hospital setting where families and relatives can sit and enjoy a quiet moment.

The garden can be used by patients and families, offering a safe place to reflect and think about their loved ones who are currently going through treatment or who have sadly passed away.

Staff also use the garden to take a moment away from the hectic hospital wards, encouraging mental health breaks and positive wellbeing.

Estelle Greenwood, from GM Building and Property Services Limited, designed the garden for the hospital charity.

Estelle said: “I am really proud and honoured to have been able to create the garden for Solihull Hospital and the hospital charity. It’s a very serene and quiet place where you can come and visit if you are grieving or to reflect on a happy memory of a loved one.

“I really hope it creates a wonderful space for people to come and sit quietly and remember.”

The mayor of Solihull, Councillor Annette Mackenzie attended the event and cut the ribbon to officially open the garden.

To find out how to support Solihull Hospital Charity, visit the website at hospitalcharity.org/our-facilities/solihullhospital-charity

Stall holders: Saqib Bhatti and Samatha Frampton

Partnership: Iain McCallister.

Peaceful haven: Mayor of Solihull Councillor Annette Mackenzie formally opens the hospital memory garden

Judges reveal shortlist ahead of awards night

Solihull Chamber of Commerce has revealed the shortlist for this year’s Solihull Awards, taking place at The National Conference Centre on Friday, 26 September.

Forty-two businesses have been shortlisted across the 11 categories and all will be vying for the ultimate accolade of Business of the Year 2025, sponsored by Headpoint Advisors.

The shortlist for this year’s 11 award categories is:

Solihull Breakthrough Business 2025

Ginger Bucks

Perception Copywriting

The Purple House Clinic

Vu Agency

Solihull Business without Borders Award 2025sponsored by runyourfleet Controlsforce Ltd

Headpoint Advisors

Röhlig UK Ltd

Schofield & Associates

Thor Hammer Company Limited

Solihull Community Builder 2025 - sponsored by Birchmere Mews

Howden Insurance

MAN Commercial Protection Ltd

runyourfleet

Shirley Golf Club

Touchwood Solihull

Solihull Customer Commitment Award 2025

Cranmore Park

Eric Lyons Splendid Foods

KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar

MAN Commercial Protection Ltd

Schofield & Associates

Touchwood Solihull

UB Healthcare

Wilkes

Solihull Digital Revolutionary 2025

Surgins

Vu Agency Wise

Solihull Influencer 2025

Eric Lyons Splendid Foods

Ginger Bucks

runyourfleet Visit Knowle

Solihull Non-Profit Champion 2025

Colebridge Trust

Kingshurst Community Association

Knowle and Dorridge Memory Café

Solihull Action through Advocacy

Solihull BID Company Ltd

Solihull Pioneer 2025

SDLT Check

Surgins

VGC Group

Solihull Sustainability Trailblazer 2025

Birmingham Business Park

Solus Ceramics

The National Energy Hub

UB Healthcare

Solihull Unsung Hero 2025

Birmingham Dogs Home - Areika Bickerton

Birmingham Dogs Home - Rachel Frost

Bluebird Care Solihull - Simon Jay

Visit Knowle

Solihull Alternative Provision Multi Academy Trust - Fiona Caddick

Solihull Hospital Charity - Sue Kirby

Kim Hulse

Solihull Workplace Champion 2025

CAPE People Development

LTK Consultants Ltd

Solihull College & University Centre

Tudor Grange Academies Trust

The judges for this year’s awards are:

• Neelam Afzal- solicitor and Partner at Wildings Solicitors

• Neil Betts- founder of Go True North

• Gabriel Imevbore- partner and sales director at Z Digital UK

• Gayle Ditchburn- partner and Head of Office at Pinsent Mason

• Stacey Batigan- head of corporate at NatWest

• Joanna Seabright- customer experience, marketing and communications director at M6Toll

• Money Chopra- cluster sales manager at Malmaison and Hotel du Vin

• Anthony Tattum- chief marketing officer at Leopard Co.

Samantha Frampton, head of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, said: “A big thank you and congratulations to all our shortlisted businesses for this year’s awards. I look forward to seeing all of our shortlisted applicants on 7 August for our pre-awards celebration, and of course at our awards ceremony in September.”

Headpoint Advisors announced as sponsor

Solihull Chamber of Commerce has also announced Headpoint Advisors as the latest category sponsor for the Solihull Awards 2025.

Headpoint Advisors will be sponsoring the overall prize of Solihull Business of the Year 2025.

Mark Wilson, founder and managing partner of Headpoint Advisors, said: “We're proud to sponsor the Solihull Business of the Year category - celebrating the ambition and success of outstanding businesses that, like Headpoint Advisors, have chosen Solihull as their base to grow nationally and internationally.”

Judges (left to right): Top - Neelam Afzal, Neil Betts and Gabriel Imevbore. Bottom - Gayle Ditchburn, Joanna Seabright, Money Chopra and Anthony Tattum

Contact: Sophie Poduval-Morrell

T: 07540 751590

Podcast to tackle topic of relationships

Over the month of July, the Future Faces Podcast will be exploring all aspects of relationships, whether it’s balancing work life with home life, navigating obstacles in your personal relationships, to being a single parent in a fast-paced job.

From understanding self-worth and setting boundaries to building self-confidence and learning to move at your own pace, the episodes will delve into what it means to form meaningful, healthy connections in today’s world.

Alongside host Sophie Poduval-Morrell, the episodes will feature the voices of Future Faces members who are discussing how they navigate relationships in both their professional and personal lives.

Guests will include:

• Sophie Paoloni and Christina Kruzewski: Both heavily involved and widely recognised in the hospitality sector, Sophie (sales and events manager at Albert’s Schloss) and Christina (group sales and events manager at Orelle) are well-known faces in the Future Faces network.

• Will Crawford and Joginder (Jay) Loha: Future Faces vice-president Will and committee member Jay are also well-known in the network. Will is the founder of “mindfulness through music” business quietnote, while Jay is a client services manager at Future Faces patron Deutsche Bank.

As well as the podcast episodes, Future Faces will be holding a professional development event centred on the topic of Dating, Sex and Relationships - led by Future Faces vicepresident Will Crawford.

The event at the Intercity Technology offices will feature a panel discussion with speakers such as Esther Rai, head of City Transformation at Gas Street Church, and Becca Horley, associate at Shoosmiths LLP.

To book your place on this event, scan the QR code.

Chamber teams up for charity BBQ fundraiser

Future Faces will be teaming up with law firm Freeths to deliver a charity BBQ fundraiser.

The funds raised will go to Freeth’s chosen charity LoveBrum, which reaches out to Birmingham-based projects that are delivering real change to Birmingham.

The BBQ will take place from 6pm-10pm on Wednesday, 16 July, at Eighteen on Colmore Row.

The event is for Future Faces members only and 100 per cent of ticket sales will go to the charity. To book go to the Future Faces section at greaterbirminghamchambers.com

Arden Uni announced as sponsor

Arden University are the headline sponsors for the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards at the ICC on 17 October.

They will also be sponsoring an Executive MBA at the university for the individual who wins the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year title.

The Professional of the Year award is to be sponsored by global professional services network Forvis Mazars.

Residential property agency FleetMilne will be sponsoring the Creative Industries and Culture category. CEO and founder Nicola Fleet-Milne was a Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Entrepreneurial category winner in 2007.

Other sponsors: Greater Birmingham Apprentice of the Year- Birmingham Metropolitan College; GBYPY - Digital, Tech & Innovation- Birmingham City University; GBYPY - Start-ups and Entrepreneurship- University College Birmingham

Find more information visit: greaterbirminghamchambers.com

Call for former winners to celebrate milestone

Members and former winners launch the 25th anniversary year of the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards.

Future Faces are seeking all former winners of the awards so that their stories can be celebrated at the anniversary dinner at the ICC on 17 October.

As part of the celebrations, Future Faces also wants to hear from photographers who captured the magic moments of past BYPY award ceremonies between 2001-22.

They are asked to get in touch at GBYPYAwards@birmingham-chamber.com

Hospitality personalities: Sophie Paoloni (centre) and Christina Kruzewski with Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell (left)

Creative Industries and Culture sponsor: Nicola Fleet-Milne

Understanding relationships: Joginder (Jay) Loha (left) and Will Crawford

The Chamber’s ever growing network for young professionals and the leaders of tomorrow.

Awards shortlist is revealed

Seventy-seven young professionals will be bidding for the coveted title of Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year, sponsored by Forvis Mazars.

The winners of 13 categories and the overall winner will be announced by the Future Faces division of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce at their annual dinner at the ICC on Friday, 17 October.

The overall winner will also be awarded an Executive MBA from headline sponsor Arden University.

Shortlist

Greater Birmingham Apprentice of the Yearsponsored by Birmingham Metropolitan College

Zoya Alam- Squire Patton Boggs

Sophia Chattaway- KPMG

Saagar Hans- Lloyds Banking Group

Alice Pritchett- Ark Media Group

Emily Rowley- KMPG

Lacey Shepherd- Entec Si Ltd

GBYPY - Built Environment and Engineering

Christy Davies- Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Sophie Kelly- Fisher German

Morgan Paine- Mode Transport Planning

Selin Shefik- Arup

Jacob Smith- Mott MacDonald

Duneil Ubhi- UBITEC

GBYPY - Charity and Social Impact

- sponsored by Arden University

Juan Carlos Garcia Belza- Aston Students’ Union

Zainub Butt- KPMG

Sophie Evans- Birmingham Dogs Home

Alex Harden-Way- University College

Birmingham Guild of Students

Pippa Preston- Queen Alexandra Charity

Birmingham

ZeZe Sohawon- Emotion Dysregulation in Autism

GBYPY - Creative Industries and Culturesponsored by FleetMilne

Hope Adie- Colonel Duck

Ruth Chipperfield- Ruth Mary Jewellery

Joe Greenfield- Colour Cubed Creative

Communications

Catherine Kennedy- quietnote

Rebecca Phillips- Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces

Tallulah Travis- Gymshark

GBYPY - Digital, Tech & Innovation- sponsored by Birmingham City University

Alastair Cowen - KPMG

Fay Elmi - Intercity Technology

Zoya Hassan - KPMG

Laura Hunt - Intercity Technology

Lewis Lydiard – Techcare

Kiranjit Kaur Shergill- Barclays

GBYPY - Events and Hospitality

Camelia Cara-Ion- San Carlo Restaurant Group

Kelsey Dwyer- Colmore Business District

Prabjot Ragbotra- Mitchells & Butlers

Rae Rodien- Blackberry Events

Elise White- Aston University

GBYPY - Finance

sponsored by Canaccord Wealth

Jay Dhaliwal – Chase de Vere

Kieran Duffy - Heligan Wealth Management

Imogen Evans – Virgin Money

Agnieszka Knopp – KPMG

Gregory Palethorpe - Bowbrook Financial

Planners Ltd

Joseph Tyerman – KPMG

GBYPY - Legal

Michelle Chapman – Irwin Mitchell LLP

Rebecca Horley – Shoosmiths LLP

Conor McDonagh – Freeths LLP

Christie Nelson – Freeths LLP

Judith Stone – Browne Jacobson LLP

Esther Thomas – Fieldfisher

GBYPY - Marketing, Sales, and Communications

Grace Coniry – Rewired

Kirsty Cove – FleetMilne

Emily Keeling – Techcare

Ollie McGrath – Tribera

Ben Robertson – Norton Insurance Brokers

Matthew Suddaby – Arden University

GBYPY - People and Wellbeing

Fiona Bell - Lichfield District Council

Rachel Brindley – Gymshark

Jakob Buus – KPMG

Beth Gardiner – Jacobs

Carys Hanson – KPMG

Lewis Black – Intercity Technology

GBYPY - Start-ups and EntrepreneurshipSponsored by University College Birmingham

Matthew Harper – Gumbudii Ltd

Yomi Omotoso - Joinlearnable.com

Mehmood Rajoka – Verity Partners

Abbey Ricketts – Adams Moore Limited

Ryan Vora – Launch Lab

Alexios Zachariades-Layland – Gumbudii Ltd

GBYPY - Sustainability and ESG- sponsored by WM International Ltd

Phebe Hankins – Iron and Velvet

Ellie Larkin – Jacobs

Ashlea Mallett – University College Birmingham

George-Catalin Mande – KPMG

Danielle Murphy – Lloyds Banking Group

Katherine Stanfield – Jacobs

GBYPY - Training and Education

Rachel Arnold – Solihull College & University

Centre

Katriana Lightfoot – Arden University

Lauren Pryer – University College Birmingham

Iveta Pudilova - National Neurodiversity Training

Annemarie Schunke – KPMG

Laura Weller – Hello Sidekick LTD

New Members

Aaryan Vora Vision for All CIC

Ana Indi Amona Rainha Noir Coaching

Dean Woodward PKF Smith Cooper

Edward Price Central Business Finance

Ellis O'Neill PKF Smith Cooper

Emma Richardson Wilkes

Georgia Oliver Shoosmiths LLP

Gracie-Jo Kelly MoreMicro

Helen Bonsmann PKF Smith Cooper

James Griffiths Nicklin Accountancy

Services Limited

Jeffrey Magara iMeta Training

Natasha Care PKF Smith Cooper

Paige Gibbons PKF Smith Cooper

Paige Walczak B13 AI

Raj Malhi Shoosmiths LLP

Rosannah Byrne Shoosmiths LLP

Rosi Byard-Jones mac birmingham

Steph Jones Shoosmiths LLP

Zeeshan Iqbal 247 Alliance Ltd

Left to right: Nicola Fleet-Milne (past winner), Joel Blake (Future Faces Ambassador award winner 2024/solicitor at Wilkes), Sophie Poduval-Morrell (Future Faces manager), Santina Bunting (2024 Young Prof of the Year) and Sarah Griffiths (Future Faces president)

Time for fun and games…

Chamber members will get the opportunity to take a break from day-to-day business stresses and unwind at a Summer Networking BBQ. It takes place at The Bond in Digbeth on 10 July and events manager Marcella Meehan says: “This is a great opportunity to network in a fun, relaxed way, with summer games and activities on offer. And there are prizes to be won!”

…and most are FREE for members

JULY

Business at Breakfast – Business

Growth Studio

Date: 1 July

Time: 8:30 – 10:00

Venue: Arden Hotel & Leisure Club

Division: Solihull

Cost: Members only

BYSA and Future Faces Charity

Fun Day

Date: 2 July

Time: 16.30-19.00

Venue: Ackers Adventure

Division: Future Faces

Cost: Open to all, payment for activities can be made via card in advance or on the day

Solihull Retro Games

Date: 3 July

Time: 15:00 – 19:00

Venue: Hogarths

Division: Solihull

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15 + VAT Non-members: £25 + VAT

ABCC Chamber Connections

Date: 3 July

Time: 15:30 – 17:00

Venue: Orelle

Division: ABCC

Cost: ABCC Members: Free

4 July Celebration

Date: 4 July

Time: 10:00 – 12:00

Venue: The Exchange Division: Global Cost: Free

Networking Lunch & AGM

Date: 7 July

Time: 12:00 – 14:00

Venue: Moor Hall, Sutton Coldfield

Division: Sutton Coldfield

Cost: Members: Free Non-Members: Free

QBR Briefing (Q2)

Date: 9 July

Time: 9:00 – 11:00

Venue: Birmingham City University – Curzon

Building

Division: GBCC

Cost: Members: Free

Future Faces: Free Non-members: Free

Summer Networking BBQ 2025

Date: 10 July

Time: 11:30 – 14:30

Venue: The Bond, Digbeth

Division: Birmingham

Cost: Members only £25 + VAT

New Market Entry - How to Create an Effective Strategic Plan for Global Growth – Business Growth Studio

Date: 15 July

Time: 9:30 – 12:30

Venue: Millennium Point

Division: Global Cost: Members only

Black Business Collective

Date: 16 July

Time: TBC

Venue: TBC

Division: Black Business Collective Cost: Free for all

Future Faces and Freeths Summer Charity BBQ

Date: 16 July

Time: 12:00 – 14:00

Venue: Eighteen, Colmore Row

Division: Future Faces

Cost: Early bird: £10 Full price: £15 Future Faces members only

Netwalking & Networking Lunch

Date: 16 July

Time: 12:00 – 14:00

Venue: National Forest Adventure Farm

Division: Burton & District

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15 + VAT Non-members: £50 + VAT

1813 Club & Premier Support Session

Date: 22 July

Time: 9:00 – 11:00

Venue: F1 Arcade

Division: GBCC

Cost: 1813 Club and Premier members only

Future Faces Professional

Development: Dating, Sex and Relationships

Date: 22 July

Time: 17:30 – 19:30

Venue: Intercity Technology

Division: Future Faces

Cost: Members only

Cannock Chase Chamber Connections

Date: 24 July

Time: 15:30 – 17:30

Venue: Acorn Kia Burntwood

Division: Cannock Chase

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15 + VAT Non-members: £25 + VAT

Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber Connections with Future Faces

Date: 31 July

Time: 15:30 – 17:30

Venue: Statfold Country Park

Division: Lichfield & Tamworth / Future Faces

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: Free Non-members: £25 + VAT

AUGUST

Royal Sutton Coldfield Business at Breakfast

Date: 6 August

Time: 8:30 – 10:00

Venue: TBC

Division: Royal Sutton Coldfield

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15 + VAT

Non-members: £50 + VAT

Birmingham Chamber Connections

Date: 7 August

Time: 15:30 – 17:30

Venue: Scratch Golf

Division: Birmingham

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15 + VAT

Non-members: £25 + VAT

Pro Solihull Networking – PreAwards Celebration

Date: 7 August

Time: 16:30 – 18:30

Venue: Crowne Plaza Solihull

Division: Solihull

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15 + VAT

Non-members: £25 + VAT

Continuous Improvement - Business Growth Studio

Date: 11 August

Time: 15:00 – 16:30

Venue: (TBC)

Division: Lichfield & Tamworth

Cost: Members only

Premier Breakfast

Date: 12 August

Time: 8:30 – 10:30

Venue: Quilter Cheviot

Division: GBCC

Cost: Premier members only

Speed Networking – online

Date: 13 August

Time: 12:00 – 13:15

Venue: Online

Division: GBCC

Cost: Members: Free

Future Faces members: £15 + VAT

Non-members: £20 + VAT

Burton & District Chamber Connections

Date: 14 August

Time: 15:30 – 17:30

Venue: TBC

Division: Burton & District

Cost: Members: Free

Future Faces: £15 + VAT

Non-members: £25 + VAT

Cannock Chase Business at Breakfast

Date: 19 August

Time: 8:30 – 10:10

Venue: TBC

Division: Cannock Chase

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15 + VAT

Non-members: £50 + VAT

GBYPY Shortlist BBQ

Date: 21 August

Time: 17:30 – 19:30

Venue: TBC

Division: Future Faces

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces Members: Free Non-members: Free

Summer in the city: Future Faces members enjoy a popular networking event.

Networking, seminars and sustainability at Business Expo

The largest networking event staged by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) is back again this year, with over 130 exhibitors showcasing their businesses.

Taking place at Edgbaston Stadium on 1 October, this year’s Greater Birmingham Business Expo will connect businesses from across the region, generating dozens of new leads, and highlighting the range of products and services available in the Greater Birmingham area.

Events manager Marcella Meehan said: “The Greater Birmingham Business Expo is a brilliant way for businesses of all sizes to put themselves on the map, generate new leads, and make valuable new contacts.

“This really is the biggest networking event in our calendar, with over 800 delegates expected. We are thrilled to already have Translift Bendi confirmed as a headline sponsor and Silent Noize as our stage sponsor. With exhibitors from SMEs to household names, there will be opportunities for all sectors to gain new contacts and leads.

“The feedback we had last year was overwhelmingly positive, with exhibitors highlighting the large range of businesses in attendance and the number of new leads they generated. We have already sold over 50 per cent of stands, so anyone who wants the opportunity to connect with over 500 other businesses will need to book quickly.”

The Expo is free to attend and open to both members and non-members. Paula Bates, head

Spreading the word: Vehicle decked out in Chamber livery

of marketing, events and digital at the GBCC, said: “The expo provides an opportunity to discover your local Chamber so those thinking about membership should come along and find out more.”

Exhibitor Grace Turner, marketing manager at Clays Bar in Piccadilly Arcade in Birmingham, said: “We’re excited to be exhibiting at this year’s Greater Birmingham Business Expo – it’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase what Clays brings to the city.

“From hosting corporate events to delivering unforgettable experiences for social occasions, we’re proud to be part of Birmingham’s thriving business community. The Expo is a brilliant platform for connecting with other local businesses, sharing ideas, and celebrating the innovation that makes this region so dynamic.”

As well as the exhibition, delegates will be able to attend the five pop-up seminars running throughout the day as silent seminars. Those confirmed have been announced, with more to be confirmed shortly:

• Creating Compelling Content to Captivate your Audience (Anthony Tattum, Leopard Co)

• The Human GPS: from small talk to strategic relationship (Belinda Kaur, BK Networks)

• LinkedIn: Being Yourself to Boost Your Business (Becca Horley, Shoosmiths and Ibukun Oluleye, Tribera).

Speed Networking will also take place between 13:45 - 15:00. With over 80 delegates expected, pre booking is essential.

With an ongoing drive to increase sustainability at GBCC events, this year’s GBB Expo has set an ambitious aim. Marcella said: “We are aiming higher than ever to make sure we support business whilst also supporting the planet. We’re committed to making this our most sustainable expo yet, and we’d love attendees’ support in making that happen.”

Here are tips on how delegates and exhibitors can help:

• If you are exhibiting, share your sustainable offers with us and we will promote them for you

• Go paperless: Instead of printing hundreds of leaflets, print a single QR code to a digital leaflet or brochure

• Ditch the business cards, and get your personal LinkedIn QR code ready on your phone to share details with new contacts

• Travel together: Edgbaston Stadium is well connected with six local bus services stopping within a five-minute walk. Parking is free on a first come, first served basis, so why not car-share with your colleagues?

• Show off your sustainable merchandise

• Bring your own coffee cup.

Exhibitor and sponsorship packages are still available or book to attend as a delegate for free. Visit Greater Birmingham Business Expo 2025 | Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce to find out more.

In action: Silent seminars

Supporting staff through substance abuse

By Mark Pemberton, service manager – engagement, SIAS

Alcohol and drug misuse in the UK has become a public health crisis and the latest statistics make alarming reading. Following an escalation in use across Europe, the UK now ranks as the second-largest consumer of cocaine globally, while alcohol-related harm is estimated to cost the NHS in England £3.5bn annually, and has a major impact on the economy, crime and social and family issues.

Businesses are inevitably witnessing the fallout from this social landscape. The annual cost to UK businesses from drug and alcohol misuse is estimated at £21bn, factoring in lost productivity, workplace accidents, sickness absence and staff turnover.

Employers are increasingly recognising the impact of these issues on their employees’ health and productivity, which underlines the need for supportive workplace policies. SIAS, (Solihull Integrated Addiction Services), is commissioned by Solihull Borough Council to deliver free and confidential support across the borough.

However, it can be very difficult to be sure if an employee is showing signs of stress, starting to struggle with alcohol or drug use, or if they have already become a functioning alcoholic or drug user, especially if they are highperforming or deliberately hiding their behaviour.

This is where SIAS can help, as its experienced team can identify the patterns and warning signs that usually point to drug and alcohol misuse.

Telltale signs are perhaps being late or missing deadlines at work or becoming irritable and arguing with colleagues or family members. Or there may be changes in physical or mental health – weight loss, anxiety, or trouble sleeping. These are signs that dependency is creeping in and recognising you have a problem is the first step towards recovery.

For some people, having a few glasses of wine in the evening, or using cocaine socially at weekends, quickly become coping mechanisms when life is stressful, but both alcohol and drugs are addictive, and occasional use often ends up increasing. This can spiral into dependency without people realising it.

At SIAS we can help with support packages tailored to meet each individual’s needs.

For an employee to be at their best in the workplace it is advisable to help manage their stress levels before things escalate, by encouraging work life balance, managing workloads, providing a supportive working environment

with stress reduction opportunities such as wellbeing sessions, and rewarding effort.

SIAS is already working with businesses in Solihull to help support their wellbeing programmes and promote responsible choices for alcohol and drugs and recently delivered a ‘Lunch and Learn’ session on drug and alcohol awareness to companies at Birmingham Business Park.

Its experienced team can help employers to identify the signs that an employee or colleague could be struggling, to understand the issues involved and how to approach conversations with them and offer support. Ultimately, the aim is to help employees so that they stay well and enjoy their job while also helping businesses protect productivity.

The session at Birmingham Business Park was informative and engaging and covered:

• How to spot the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol misuse

• The impact on individuals, families and workplaces

• How to approach conversations with someone who may be struggling

‘It can be very difficult to be sure if an employee is showing signs of stress, starting to struggle with alcohol or drug use’

• Support services and resources available through SIAS.

It was followed by a Q&A session and open discussion.

Lori McDonagh, of Birmingham Business Park, said: “We recognise that this is an important topic to address, and the session was aimed at employers, employees, colleagues and friends, in fact all those who wanted to find out more. Our experienced facilitators from SIAS provided practical insights and guidance in a relaxed, welcoming environment.”

However, for those who find that alcohol or drugs are really impairing their quality-of-life help is also at hand from SIAS.

Following an initial assessment a personalised, structured recovery plan is put together for each person which lays the foundation for change. Monitored by an experienced practitioner, it is a flexible approach and enables each individual to take ownership of their own recovery.

We welcome enquiries from any organisation who would like to enhance their wellbeing programme, or from those who have real concerns about specific employees. Raising awareness with open and honest communication to employees in general, and early intervention with those who are struggling, make an enormous difference with the main objective being a healthy and productive workforce.

Moving AI to the top of the agenda

By Karl George MBE, founder of Governance AI

Topportunities in equal measure, with a constant balance of risk and reward. With technological advances moving at unprecedented speed, regulation and governance are being left behind. For companies and boards to best harness the AI revolution, it’s critical that robust frameworks are put in place to ensure all organisations can benefit from effective AI governance.

There are some critical reasons why AI should be firmly on the board agenda:

• Competitors will leave you behind. AI delivers speed, precision and insight

• Your staff are using AI anyway – probably with no guardrails. That’s a data breach waiting to happen

• You risk reputational damage if AI produces biased or inaccurate outputs

• You could face regulatory sanctions as new laws like the EU AI Act come into force

• You’ll miss strategic opportunities by treating AI like an IT issue instead of a board priority.

By taking an informed and proactive approach, organisations can leverage the power of AI, while actively mitigating the evolving risks of a new digital age that is set to redefine the models of the modern workplace.

Risk and reward

To ensure AI best practice within their organisation, boards must embrace a dual mindset – considering how best to unlock value while mitigating risk. For companies across all sectors, AI can offer significant benefits, including:

• Accelerated innovation and productivity

• Enhanced strategic foresight

personalisation

• ESG and sustainability gains.

However, new and evolving technology also carries systemic and organisational risk. On this basis, many company boards across the UK are delaying the implementation of robust internal structures to properly govern the use of AI, as the technology remains complex and unfamiliar. It’s vital that company boards elevate AI to a standing agenda item, to both encourage internal discussion and debate, and help mitigate future risk. Key questions to consider include:

• How do we protect equality, diversion and inclusion when algorithms can amplify bias?

• Are we best prepared for cybersecurity threats from AI-enhanced attacks or misinformation?

• How do we protect critical business infrastructure that is increasingly AI-reliant?

A new framework

The ultimate responsibility for an organisation’s strategic direction and risk appetite lies with its board of directors. With the majority of company boards showing a concerning level of unpreparedness for the complexities of AI governance, the time to act is now.

Boards of directors and senior leadership teams must actively identify and prioritise areas where AI can deliver substantial strategic value, aligning these initiatives with key organisational objectives and stakeholder expectations.

At Governance AI, we’ve produced a White Paper, Governing the Intelligence Age: Navigating the Reset Revolution, which acts as an executive briefing for board leaders and policy makers. By following the core pillars and principles for

effective AI governance, company boards can take a leading role in defining the methodology and approach for AI best practice. Our three-pillar model for boards recommends:

1. Get the governance right first – before you even think about implementing AI, your board needs to put the right structures in place to ensure your organisation is safe and secure. Weak or non-existent oversight leaves you exposed. Embed AI into your organisation’s DNA with clear board-level responsibility, a proper AI strategy and a policy framework that aligns with your purpose.

2. Make sure leadership are AI-ready – it’s no longer enough for board members and senior leadership to have heard of AI – they need to actually understand it. Right now, too many leaders are out of their depth. Equip your leadership so they can drive the AI agenda, not be driven by it. Boards need to build AI fluency so they can lead with confidence, understanding the risks, the opportunities and how to govern them.

3. Use AI to transform your business – AI isn’t a shiny gadget, it’s a game-changer. Think exponential, not incremental. We call it ‘AI-first’ thinking, using AI to transform, disrupt and grow. This is about deploying AI where it matters, measuring what it delivers and aligning it to strategic goals.

A bright future

The advent of AI shouldn’t be considered a threat, but a tool to unlock opportunity, growth and critical advancements that will re-shape how we think, lead, act and collaborate. The value of sound and strategic AI preparedness can be transformative for organisations - so now’s the time to move AI to the top of the business agenda.

Five things young professionals wish you knew

By Gemma Stuart-Young, director of Make Strides: Digital Learning that grows with you

We often talk about supporting the next generation, but what does that actually look like when someone walks through your doors at the start of their career?

I’ve worked in industry, led teams, and supported people at every stage of their careers.

I’ve seen what helps young professionals thrive and what holds them back. Now, through Make Strides, I work closely with early careers talent and the businesses that want to get the best from them.

Here are five things I’ve learned from listening to, supporting, and learning alongside young professionals, and why they matter more than ever.

1. They want more than a job, they want to know why

One young person said to me: “I just want to know how what I do contributes to the bigger picture.” That stuck with me.

Young professionals are hungry for more than tasks. They want to feel part of something that matters. Helping them understand how their role contributes to the bigger picture builds motivation and loyalty from the start.

It doesn’t need to be complicated. A manager who takes time to explain the why behind the work can make all the difference.

2. Confidence is built, not ingrained

There’s a myth that because someone grew up with tech, they must feel confident at work. But

‘We’ve got the chance to shape those early experiences into something meaningful’

digital familiarity is not the same as workplace confidence.

I’ve met brilliant young people who looked confident on the surface, but were unsure about asking questions or speaking up. One told me: “I’m afraid I’ll look stupid.”

We need to create supportive spaces where confidence is nurtured through encouragement, reflection, and real feedback.

3. Feedback is welcome, but not always asked for

Many young professionals genuinely want feedback. They just don’t always know how to ask for it, and sometimes, we as employers hesitate to give it.

Let’s make feedback part of everyday development, not something saved for formal reviews. A culture of learning and honest conversation helps people grow quicker and feel more connected.

Support them to give feedback too and teach them how to get good at it!

4. Visibility and voice are game changers

One young professional told me their confidence shifted when a manager invited them to

contribute to a pitch. “It was the first time I felt like I actually belonged,” they said.

Involving young people early helps them feel part of the team, and it boosts their growth and contribution. You don’t have to throw them in the deep end but don’t wait for a job title to give them opportunities either.

Small chances to lead, speak up or share ideas can spark huge confidence.

5. There’s a gap, and it’s ours to close We all know there’s a gap between what formal education teaches and what the workplace demands. It’s not new news, but no one else is coming to fix it.

It’s up to us to close that gap. Not with generic onboarding, but with person centred support that helps young people understand, grow, and contribute.

Whether you’re a small business or a large employer, you can build simple development habits that change futures. If you wait until they’re ready, you’ll miss the moment. Start now.

A final thought

Young professionals aren’t looking for perfect leaders. They’re looking for growth, connection, and a real chance to make an impact.

We’ve got the chance to shape those early experiences into something meaningful. Let’s not let it slip by.

Sector Focus

The latest news from the sectors that matter to business

New tram route connects to Sports Quarter

A game-changing investment in Birmingham’s tram network that will provide much-needed connectivity to Birmingham City Football Club’s new Sports Quarter has been welcomed by business leaders in the city.

The West Midlands received £2.4bn in funding for key transport projects, including the tram network, in other measures announced in the Chancellor’s Spending Review.

Part of this will be used to build a vital metro link from Birmingham city centre to the planned £3bn Sports Quarter in Bordesley Green. Birmingham City FC’s owners Knighthead Capital have ambitious plans to build a world-class Sports Quarter and leisure facilities – including a state-of-the-art stadium – on the former Birmingham Wheels site. Blues and Knighthead chairman Tom Wagner and West Midlands mayor Richard Parker have been lobbying for the tram extension to guarantee the project.

“The vision of Birmingham City’s owners for the new Sports Quarter is ambitious and potentially game-changing for the city. Funding for the tram extension is a key step towards making these exciting plans a reality.

“We look forward to working with Birmingham City and key stakeholders including the mayor to help bring this vision to life.

“Connectivity is vital to unlocking growth and prosperity – in research conducted as part of the Business Commission West Midlands report, our members called for greater investment in transport infrastructure.”

Raj Kandola (pictured), acting deputy CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “This investment couldn’t be more timely – it will unlock a host of socio-economic opportunities and drive growth across our region.

Mayor Richard Parker said: “This funding means we can now deliver a new metro line to the Sports Quarter, connecting it to the city centre and unlocking one of the most significant private investments our region has ever seen.”

Short notice cancellations of CrossCountry services

There will be short-notice cancellations to CrossCountry services until 25 October due to planned industrial action by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT).

RMT union members at CrossCountry have agreed industrial action short of a strike on weekdays and Saturdays –meaning members are not allowed to work overtime or on days they are not rostered to work.

Though the industrial action affects a number of different roles,

the restrictions on when train managers and senior conductors can work will mean an increased number of short-notice cancellations across the CrossCountry network during this period.

Richard Morris, CrossCountry’s service delivery director, said: "We’re sorry to customers who will be disrupted by industrial action. While we’re working hard to run as many services as possible over this period, we know there will be more cancellations than usual

across all routes from Monday 9 June.

“I’d ask those planning to travel to check their journey in advance, as well as on the day. Customers can visit the CrossCountry website or National Rail Enquiries for the latest travel information.”

For the latest information on service levels during the period of industrial action, visit www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/tra vel-updatesinformation/changesto-train-times/industrial-action

Rise in cost for bus tickets

The costs of monthly and annual bus passes in the West Midlands are to remain among the lowest in the country, despite an 8.6 per cent increase from June as a result of rising costs faced by bus operators.

The increases will see the four-week fare, used by those who commute on a daily basis, go up from £64 to £70 and the monthly direct debit fare rise from £59 to £64. These are still cheaper than comparable fares in London (£94), Liverpool (£77.10), Manchester (£80) and Nottingham, at £75.

The cost of the day ticket will also increase to £5.20.

Matt Lewis, commercial director – bus and operations, TfWM, said: “It is a difficult time for people and money is tight, so we have worked hard with our bus operators to keep these increases to an absolute minimum and keep our bus services on the road.”

Extra flights from Birmingham: Turkish Airlines

Extra flights to Europe launched

Four extra flights a week to Istanbul have been added by Turkish Airlines to their services from Birmingham Airport.

This brings the total weekly flights to 18 as two other airlines, TUI and Whizz Air, step up their services to European destinations.

Turkish Airlines fly to more countries than any other and is ramping up its summer 2025 schedule with additional flights from UK and Ireland to Istanbul and beyond in time for peak holiday travel.

Harun Basturk, SVP sales at Turkish Airlines, said: “Demand from holidaymakers in the UK and Ireland to visit Turkey – with its rich culture, history, cuisine, hospitality, and stunning coastal resorts – remains strong year-round and peaks during the summer. We’re increasing capacity to meet this demand and offer more flexibility for travellers.”

He added that growing interest in destinations beyond Istanbul also contributed to the expansion: “As the airline that flies to more destinations than any other, our global network spans the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, all popular with leisure travellers. Istanbul Airport’s status as the world’s most connected hub allows seamless onward connections from the UK and Ireland to Turkey and beyond.”

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TUI Airways have launched a new direct flight from Birmingham to Budapest, offering travellers in the Midlands convenient access to Hungary’s capital city.

Sitting on the Danube, Budapest is the first port of call on selected TUI River Cruises holidays in 2026 and this new route has been added following the growth in demand for river cruises in the Central Europe region.

Tom Screen, aviation director of Birmingham Airport, said: “It is great to see that TUI will be launching a new weekly flight to Budapest, opening up more options for travellers direct from Birmingham.

“A popular city break destination, this route is yet another addition to TUI’s great portfolio of destinations from Birmingham Airport.”

Wizz Air has also announced a new route from Birmingham to Sibiu in Romania, starting on 28 October.

The flights will operate twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The new route adds to Wizz Air’s growing operations at Birmingham, with the airline currently flying to four destinations from the city, including the recently announced direct route to Rome.

Dains deals its way to the top 20 for activity

Dains Corporate Finance has entered into the national top 20 of deal advisers for the first time – a major milestone following an exceptional start to the financial year.

With eight M&A transactions completed in Q1 alone, Dains was the third most active corporate finance team in the Midlands and 20th in the UK, according to Experian’s M&A review for Q1 2025.

Headline deals include Linnaeus’ acquisition of Rutland Veterinary, the sale of Kolkem to US chemicals giant Quaker Houghton, a management buyout (MBO) of Freshview, and a significant fundraise for chartered surveyor firm Greenhatch with Virgin Money, building on Dains’ earlier advisory

work on its Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) transaction.

Consilium Chartered Accountants, which became part of the Dains Group in January, marked its debut deal under the new group by advising on the successful sale of food-to-go producer PJs Foods to Tiffin Sandwiches.

‘Q1

has been a

fantastic start to the year for the Corporate Finance team’

It has also advised HVAC specialist Cleartech Group on its acquisition of ECB (Water Solutions). This surge in deal activity comes hot on the heels of

the Dains Group’s strategic acquisition of Barnes Roffe – its largest to date and the second since securing private equity investment from IK Partners.

With four key regional hubs now established across the South-East, Midlands, Scotland, and Ireland, Dains is focused on delivering even greater value to clients whilst continuing to invest in the growth and development of its people.

Roy Farmer, corporate finance partner at Dains said: “Q1 has been a fantastic start to the year for the Corporate Finance team and the wider Dains Group. The momentum we’ve built – both in deal volume and the quality of transactions – is a testament to the talent and dedication across our business.”

IN BRIEF

Accountancy firm Cooper Parry has supported the sale of County Garage (Barnstaple) Limited – a third-generation family dealership in North Devon –to leading South-West motor group, Vospers, for an undisclosed sum County Garage, a multifranchise dealership based in Barnstaple, is widely regarded as one of the leading dealerships in the region.

Claritas, one of the UK’s leading independent tax consultancies which was founded in Birmingham in 2012, has acquired the UK tax incentives and reliefs business of Markel International. Based in Sheffield, it employs 22 people who will all transition to Claritas as part of the acquisition.

Bank commits

to net-zero projects

Unity Trust Bank, headquartered in Birmingham, has committed £15m to support local authorities in accelerating their net-zero projects.

The significant funding, co-invested alongside citizen investors, will support the growth of the green municipal investment market – also known as Local Climate Bonds – and help local authorities to deliver critical climate projects in their communities.

With an initial £15m commitment, Unity Trust Bank has become the first institutional investor to back Local Climate Bonds.

Developed by Abundance Investment and supported by the Green Finance Institute (GFI), Local Climate Bonds enable local authorities to raise capital directly from private investors – both citizens and institutions – giving communities a tangible stake in local climate action.

This approach enables local authorities to work with their communities to deliver practical local projects, including renewable energy schemes, building retrofits, green infrastructure initiatives, and nature adaptation schemes such as rewilding and tree planting.

Unity’s mission is to contribute to a better society. Its support of Local Climate Bonds strengthens the bank’s relationship with the public sector in delivering positive social and environmental impact, through localised solutions to the climate crisis.

Joshua Meek, chief impact officer at Unity Trust Bank, said: “We believe investing this way in councils provides the ideal platform for communities and organisations like Unity to work together and support local solutions to climate change, and we would encourage other impact-driven investors to consider how they too can support the vital work of grassroots authorities.”

Unity Trust Bank has appointed Christine Coe as the first female chair of its board of directors, as Alan Hughes ends his term after 10 years in post.

Ideal platform: Joshua Meek

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By Wayne McCormack (pictured) Director, Zoo Accounting & Business Solutions

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Payroll is one of those things that has to be right, no delays, no mistakes, no confusion. At Zoo Accounting, we run payroll for hundreds of businesses, including Northampton Town Football Club and Redditch United Football Club, so we understand the importance of a reliable, responsive service.

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Angel investor network seek to boost diversity

A Midlands-based angel investment network is beginning its journey to expand its membership and boost the diversity of both its investors and the entrepreneurs seeking funding.

The Minerva Business Angels investment network – part of the University of Warwick Science Park – brought new investors and business founders together as part of the UK Business Angel Association’s (UKBAA) ‘Embracing Diversity’ series of talks around the country.

Minerva’s members are a mix of private investors with experience in a broad range of businesses looking to put their money into high-growth, Midlands based companies, with a key focus on matchmaking the right angel with the right start-up.

Current Minerva members, as well as those looking to try angel investing for the first time, met growing start-ups in need of investment at the packed-out event at Radcliffe Warwick Conferences.

Luke Pulford, head of Minerva, spoke about the benefits of being in the network and investing in start-ups can bring, such as tax breaks and potentially high return on investment.

Imelda Fossu, head of Programmes at UKBAA, went through the statistics around the diversity of the angel investment market.

She explained that start-ups founded by women, minority ethnic or neurodiverse individuals present incredible opportunities for investors that are often missed.

Imelda added: “Less than two per cent of all UK venture capital goes towards all-female teams, with minority ethnic founders receiving even less.

“Not only does this mean these founders have to work much harder for investment, it also represents a missed opportunity for investors.

“Because so many of these kinds of businesses are overlooked by investors as things stand, the growth potential and market reach can be much higher for angel investors who can get in early, while also providing significant social impact too.”

A series of pitches were then held by start-ups in sectors such as food and drink, fitness, training, and automotive all vying to be matched with an angel investor.

Minerva is the Midlands lead on the UKBAA’s Embracing Diversity scheme and is encouraging a diverse mix of new investors to join the network and ensure better investment decisions can be made thanks to a greater range of skills and expertise.

‘Start-ups founded by women, minority ethnic or neurodiverse individuals present incredible opportunities for investors that are often missed’

Embracing diversity (left to right): Eugene Patterson – Revibed Drinks; Elena Boos – Visionary Farms; Tracey Sherratt – BBB, Imelda Fossu – UKBAA; Kerry Linley – Rubitek, Satyan Fakey – Suit Zero; Yiannis Moas – Suit Zero; Sonia Hands – Claritas Tax; Luke Pulford – Minerva Business Angels

Former GBCC president joins Lodders board

West Midlands law firm Lodders has appointed former Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce president Steve Allen as a board adviser to accelerate the firm’s growth in Birmingham.

As the former head of office of Mills & Reeve in Birmingham, Steve has a strong legal background and has a wealth of connections in the region.

Currently chair of the Your City & Metropolitan Hospitals Charity, he is also a trustee of Aston University STEM Education Academy Trust and Aston University Mathematics School. At Lodders, in addition to advising on strategy, Steve will take on an ambassadorial role, working with the firm’s Birmingham-focused partners to turbo charge Lodders’ growth.

Steve said: “I’m delighted to be joining the team at Lodders at such

Freeths advises YFM on investment into S4labour

Leading law firm Freeths has advised YFM Equity Partners on its £4m investment into workplace management software provider S4labour.

Founded in 2011 and currently boasting more than 250 customers, S4labour helps businesses streamline operations to manage labour and profitability. S4labour’s present day portfolio comprises highprofile names such as Bistrot Pierre, Revolution Bars, City Pub Group and Nisa.

It has developed an innovative software as a service (SaaS) platform that supports hospitality businesses in aligning workforce management, rota scheduling, payroll processing and HR reporting. It provides cost-effective, scalable solutions, improving operational efficiency and reducing administrative overhead within the hospitality sphere.

As a long-standing client, top 50 firm Freeths provided legal support on the investment which will allow S4labour to accelerate product enhancements. It will also provide scope for strategic hires in sales and marketing, allowing S4labour to expand its client reach and tap into larger managed pub groups and hospitality chains.

Leading the Freeths team on this deal was partner Dahren Naidoo (pictured). He said: “We are so pleased to have YFM on yet another strategic investment. YFM’s experience in scaling SaaS businesses and seeking out business growth opportunities will be invaluable to S4labour during the next stage of its journey, as it looks to bolster its client reach and offering. We look forward to seeing this partnership flourish.”

an exciting time in the firm’s development.

“Lodders has an ambitious growth agenda led by a dynamic and collaborative leadership team underpinned by specialist legal teams. I look forward to working with the partners in delivering a progressive strategy that will further enhance the firm’s reputation for providing high quality legal advice to its clients.”

Lodders’ managing partner Paul Mourton added: “Steve is incredibly well connected and widely respected in the legal sector and beyond. Not only this, but his values align closely with those of Lodders, particularly in recognising the importance of attracting top-tier talent and high-quality clients.

“We look forward to working with him as we build a long-term and sustainable presence in Birmingham.”

Exposing harms of gambling

A new report is calling for urgent reforms to address harmful levels of gambling among prisoners and those on probation.

Research by the Centre for Crime Justice and Security at University of Staffordshire examined gambling behaviours and support needs in 15 prisons and 23 probation offices across England and Wales, between 2022 and 2024.

Associate professor Sarah Page, who led the research, said: “Gambling harm is a somewhat hidden crisis affecting people across our prisons and probation services.

“Our research highlights the urgent need for consistent, effective support services for those harmed by gambling — whether directly or indirectly.”

Conversational data was collected with people in prison and on probation.

Findings show that up to 41 per cent of people under probation supervision reported regular gambling.

Ambassadorial role: Steve Allen (centre) with Lodders’ partners Andrew Wylde (left) and Graham Spalding

Construction sector poised for growth

Construction market intelligence from independent Midlands’ construction and property consultants, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB UK), reveals that the Midlands market is exhibiting a more dynamic curve than the national picture.

Growth is being propelled by the private housing and industrial sectors with project starts in the East Midlands surpassing £2.6bn, reflecting a 104 per cent increase compared to the same period in the previous year.

The West Midlands is also experiencing a significant boost in the pipeline of commercial projects, including notable office developments such as the Colmore Gate office scheme (consented on second attempt).

Moreover, the leisure and hotel sectors are witnessing strong growth, with several large-scale projects currently underway.

The ongoing Midland Main Line upgrade is improving regional connectivity, while residential developments such as the One Eastside skyscraper are contributing to Birmingham’s urban transformation.

Macro-economic events, including the US imposition and relaxation of tariffs, have dampened investment confidence, with knock-on effects in UK construction.

However, with markets looking like being well on the way back to the highs of the turn of the year and expanding data centre growth, there was cautious optimism in the sector ahead of the Spending Review this month.

While the recently signed UK trade deal has eased some international trade pressures, its impact on construction is felt to be limited.

In a current tight labour market with overall low levels of unemployment and ongoing shortages of skilled and unskilled labour, new workload distribution and local availability of labour could hold the key to whether any influx of project work could result in tender price breakout.

‘Most sustainable’ new offices reach milestone

Birmingham’s latest commercial building – and the city’s most sustainable new workplace – has reached another milestone as it ends its construction phase.

Three Chamberlain Square has reached Practical Completion (PC), with contractor Sir Robert McAlpine handing the building over after the 25-month construction programme to developer and asset manager MEPC.

The 189,000 sq ft building will be home to the 1200 strong Birmingham office of leading international consultancy firm EY, which announced its plans to move to the building earlier this year.

The 10-storey building, designed by award-winning architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

(FCBS), champions sustainability and innovation while responding to its historic location alongside the Grade I Classical Town Hall and drawing inspiration from the surrounding red terracotta buildings. It has created a new landmark for the city and a new statement of sustainability for the wider Paradise estate.

The building is targeting and has secured BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 5*ratings at design stage – making it one of the UK’s most sustainable and amenity-rich commercial buildings. Its accreditations underline this commitment to futureproofing and sustainability and it is a building that reflects wider commitments to a net zero future.

Essential work keeps historic house open

The Ward End Park House, a major Midlands landmark that has been out of use for close to 10 years, is set to open after Acivico Group completed essential building and mechanical work.

Situated in the 54-acre green space of Ward End Park in Birmingham, the Grade II-listed two-storey building dates back to 1759 and was once a thriving centre for the local community but had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect.

The site is now on the road to once again becoming a valuable community asset with discussions starting around the future upkeep of the building, with local organisations keen to advocate for its preservation, recognising its historical and cultural value.

The primary objectives for Acivico were to make the building watertight and restore its heating system,

Alex Housden, senior development manager at Paradise Birmingham developer and asset manager MEPC, said: “Three Chamberlain Square is the most sustainable commercial workplace in the city and a tremendous addition to the wider Paradise Birmingham estate and the region’s commercial offer.

“We recognise the expert management of the construction process by Sir Robert McAlpine and the wider collaboration of the design and professional team, from the architects to the delivery contractors who have all worked above and beyond throughout to reduce both embodied and operational carbon and find new ways of working.”

ensuring the structure could be preserved and brought back into use.

Marina Robertson, group managing director at Acivico Group, said: “The distinctive Ward End Park House holds significant importance to the local community with its idyllic location in the heart of a popular park, so deserves to be correctly maintained so that all residents and visitors can be proud of the building’s appearance once again.”

Construction team: In front of Three Chamberlain Square

Historic legacy: Ward End Park House

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World Craft City status for JQ

Birmingham City University (BCU) is at the centre of two accolades bestowed on the city for outstanding achievements in the world of skills. The city’s famous Jewellery Quarter, supported by BCU, has been globally recognised and a young third-year photographic student has been praised for outstanding work while seconded to Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Birmingham’s renowned Jewellery Quarter has received official global recognition from the World Crafts Council.

This now names Birmingham as a World Craft City, making it one of just eight in Europe to receive the prestigious designation.

This signifies a landmark moment for Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, placing the city’s historic Jewellery Quarter –home to an internationally-renowned community of jewellers, makers and creative businesses –firmly on the global stage.

Led by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) and co-applicants Birmingham City University (BCU), a bid for World Craft City status was supported by Birmingham City Council and the Goldsmiths Company and submitted in October 2024.

A rigorous application and judging process took place, with an international panel of judges visiting Birmingham in April, 2025.

During the judging visit, the international panel experienced the Quarter’s vibrant ecosystem of heritage and innovation first-hand. Their tour included a visit to the iconic School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University –established in 1890 and housed in a stunning Grade II-listed building on Vittoria Street.

Elsewhere in the Jewellery Quarter, judges stopped at the Birmingham Assay Office,

Cooksongold, and the historic Coffin Works. Across the three-day visit, dozens of businesses, institutions and individuals came together to demonstrate the area’s exceptional craft culture and its commitment to both preserving and evolving traditional skills.

Matthew Bott, chair, Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT), said: “This is a moment of real pride – not just for the Jewellery Quarter, but for Birmingham and the West Midlands. We’ve

Partnership puts success in the frame for students

A new collaboration between the Birmingham Royal Ballet and Birmingham City University (BCU) has been a success in its first academic year.

Working with BCU’s media department the collaboration aims to support and nurture students who want to make a career in dance photography.

Hannah Beveridge, in her third and final year of studying for a photographic degree, was the first participant to be selected from a shortlist last year and for the last eight months has attended photocalls and studio rehearsals at BRB.

Hannah said: “I came to photograph The Nutcracker in November last year with very little knowledge of dance photography.

“The experience had a profound effect on me, and I knew I wanted to put my all into creating a future involving dance photography.”

Hannah has had exclusive access to dancers at photocalls for Cinderella, The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty and BRB2 which has also provided her with the opportunity to meet and chat to some of the most highly skilled professional dance photographers in the industry.

Joe Miles Hannah’s lecturer and BCU’s Course Director BA (Hons) Photography, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Birmingham Royal Ballet for their support and collaboration, which has played a key role in helping Hannah bring her vision to life.

“At BCU, our photography degree is designed to support and nurture each student’s individual passions and creative interests.

“In Hannah’s case, she has brilliantly combined her love of photography with her passion for dance, resulting in a striking and original body of work.

“Hannah has truly made the most of this experience.

“Through her hard work, consistent engagement with her tutors, professionalism, and commitment to developing her skills, she has produced an outstanding portfolio. We’re proud of Hannah and everything she has achieved.”

always known the value of what happens here, and now the world does too. Our thanks go to everyone who helped us reach this point, and we look forward to working with partners old and new to build on this incredible foundation.”

David Mba, vice chancellor at BCU, said: “This is such exciting news. Being recognised as a World Craft City puts a global spotlight on the skills, creativity and community we have here in Birmingham.”

Judges visit (left to right): Rebecca Skeels (BCU), Rocío Blázquez (WCC), Dr Kevin Murray (WCC), Lord Lieutenant Derrick Anderson CBE, Prof Aftab Gharda (WCC), Puneet Jolly (WCC) and Matthew Bott (JQDT)

Profound effect: Hannah Beveridge

T Level students accept social media mission

St Basils has announced it is aiming to engage with more young people in need on its digital and social media platforms with help from two Walsall College students.

Alex Fletcher and Ela Salts are producing dynamic new content for the charity and housing association as part of an industry placement for their Creative Media T Level course.

The 45-day industry placement has seen the students carrying out extensive research into the social media activities of similar charities and organisations, along with an audit of St Basils’ own platforms.

Working from the head office in Digbeth, Birmingham, they are now developing a series of content plans to bring to life on TikTok and Instagram over the coming months, then measuring their success.

Barrie Hodge, head of fundraising and communications at St Basils, said: “St Basils is keen to be more proactive in reaching out to young people on social media who may need us. Working with Alex and Ela

Investment for manufacturer

Midlands-based RP Technologies, a leading manufacturer of complex lowmedium volume aluminium tooling, injection moulded parts, and CNC machined components, has made a significant new investment.

A small group of investors, led by Alistair Schofield, a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in the precision engineering sector, has joined RP Technologies, bringing fresh expertise and industry know-how to the business.

Advisory assistance for RP Technologies’ existing owners was provided by Jerroms Corporate Finance, with George Green LLP offering legal expertise.

Under the new structure, investors will collaborate with the existing management team to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiencies, and explore new market opportunities.

allows us to make better use of the right tools, content and messaging to build supportive relationships.

“I would thoroughly recommend T Level placements to other employers. It gives you access to a rich talent pool and fresh perspectives that may be missing from your own team.”

Ela said: “I’ve already gained more real-life industry experience than I initially expected to.

“I have a much clearer understanding of the type of content to post for the best impact. This is something I can apply to my own professional platforms as I begin my career.”

Alex added: “I already feel I have meaningful industry experience to go with my qualification. Not only is this placement providing me with a wider set of skills around content production and communications, but it’s also made me realise that youth homelessness is a massive issue across the UK. I feel I have a responsibility to raise awareness.”

Mayor backs R&D fund for region’s creative freelancers

Creative freelancers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the West Midlands can now apply for up to £10,000 of funding to develop innovative ideas through collaborative research and development (R&D).

Smaller companies and freelancers can struggle to access R&D grants, something CreaTech Frontiers, a new creative industries cluster for the West Midlands, is hoping to challenge.

CreaTech Frontiers is made up of five collaborators: Birmingham City University (BCU), University of Birmingham, Coventry University, University of Warwick and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

‘I’d especially love to see ideas that pioneer sustainable products and services, helping to shape the future of the West Midlands’

Professor Lamberto Coccioli, director of CreaTech Frontiers, said: “We are thrilled to launch our first call to fund innovative ideas and projects only four months after the start of the CreaTech Frontiers programme.

“We hope to receive an enthusiastic response from creative companies and freelancers all across the West Midlands and we especially encourage first-time applicants with original and untested concepts.”

A funding pot of £250,000 is being made available this summer, which will also give freelancers and SMEs

access to academic R&D expertise, mentoring and training, and use world-class research and development labs to create new content, products and services.

“This is a rare opportunity for freelancers, microbusinesses, and SMEs across the West Midlands to take creative risks, test bold ideas, and unlock the full potential of research and development,” said Kath Fuller, COO of TechWM, and board member of CreaTech Frontiers.

“At TechWM, we see the transformative power of R&D every day – driving business growth, attracting investment, and opening new routes to market.

“I’d especially love to see ideas that pioneer sustainable products and services, helping to shape the future of the West Midlands’ dynamic innovation ecosystem and CreaTech sector.”

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is backing the project as part of ambitions for the region to be a flourishing creative ecosystem by 2030. For more information go to: wmca.org.uk

Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, said: “We’ve got a young, diverse region full of bold thinkers and creative minds who are really pushing the limits of what’s possible with technology.

“I want them to take advantage of these grants and the amazing research and innovation coming out of our world class universities, so they can turn their great ideas into global success stories. And as we do that, we’re creating exciting new jobs and showing the world what the West Midlands is made of.”

Walkthrough video (left to right): Barrie Hodge (St Basils), Alex Fletcher, Ela Salts, and Samantha Ray (Walsall College)

Video firm founders join festival jury

Matt Cooke and Vince Lund, founders of Popcorn&Co. Video, have been appointed to the grand jury for Birmingham Film Festival 2025.

Now in its ninth year, Birmingham Film Festival has become a key fixture in the city’s creative calendar by championing independent film while building strong ties with the wider business community.

As grand jury members, Matt and Vince will help evaluate and award standout entries across this year’s official selection, drawing on their experience in broadcast television, postproduction, and brand storytelling.

With an increasing focus on creative industries as engines of innovation and economic growth, the festival is continuing to expand its partnership opportunities for local organisations.

Businesses looking to connect with new audiences, align with creative industries, or support the next generation of talent are encouraged to explore sponsorship and event collaborations.

Emerging artist scoops top prize

A Birmingham-based emerging multidisciplinary artist whose intricate ballpoint pen artworks explore identity, cultural spontaneity and the divine has been crowned as the winner of Birmingham Open 25.

Ispahani Mukah’s artwork Light Keeper captivated the judging panel with its originality, creative flair and technical excellence –earning him a £1,000 cash prize, a portfolio review and a joint exhibition at Birmingham City University’s (BCU) School of Art.

Drawing from his Cameroonian heritage and life in the UK, his work

revives overlooked histories and sparks dialogue around identity.

His work has been exhibited at the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition, London (2024), RBSA Gallery (2024), and Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry (2025).

Ispahani said: “I’m truly grateful that my biro drawing, Light Keeper, deeply resonated with Birmingham’s vibrant community.

“It’s been a privilege meeting some of the city’s most remarkable talents and I extend my heartfelt thanks to the organisers, judges, and Colmore Business District for championing artistic expression.”

Elmhurst launches summer programme

Elmhurst Ballet School, in association with Birmingham Royal Ballet, has launched its summer run of shows under the umbrella title, Voices & Virtues. They are the highlight of the school calendar and a showcase of the extraordinary dedication and passion Elmhurst students apply to their training throughout the year.

Six performances between 4 and 10 July in the school’s studio theatre are the students’ final performances before moving upwards in the school or, for the graduate year Elmhurst Ballet Company, into professional dance employment.

Since 2004, Elmhurst Ballet School has been situated in Edgbaston, Birmingham. HRH The Queen is Patron, Sir Wayne McGregor is the School’s President, and Carlos Acosta is vice president. The School celebrated its centenary in 2023.

Elmhurst Ballet School is a world-renowned centre of dance excellence in association with Birmingham Royal Ballet, which trains young dancers aged 1119. Celebrating its 100th birthday in 2023, the school was founded in Camberley, Surrey in 1923 and relocated to Edgbaston in Birmingham in 2004.

Dedication: Year’s work on show

Judges: Matt Cooke (left) and Vince Lund

Judges captivated: Ispahani Mukah ballpoint artwork “Light Keeper”

Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium embarks on historic transition

Asignificant transformation is underway in the UK’s greyhound racing landscape as Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium announces its relocation to a new, purpose-built facility at Dunstall Park, Wolverhampton, marking a new era for the sport and a substantial investment in the regional economy.

Construction has officially begun on a state-of-the-art greyhound racing track within the grounds of Wolverhampton Racecourse, forming part of a larger, integrated venue that already boasts horseracing, conferencing spaces, a hotel, and dining facilities. This move positions the new site not only as a premier destination for racing fans but also as a versatile hub for events and tourism in the West Midlands.

“This transition is about more than just a new location,” said a spokesperson for the venue. “It’s a forward-thinking investment in greyhound racing’s future – one that honours Perry Barr’s longstanding legacy while embracing modern infrastructure, larger audiences, and a broader entertainment offering.”

A business and sporting powerhouse

The new Dunstall Park track will benefit from the expertise of the Sports Turf Research Institute, world leaders in track and racing surface development. New kennel and welfare facilities are also being built to Greyhound Board of Great Britain standards, ensuring top-tier conditions for racing teams and animal welfare.

With a spectator capacity of up to 25,000, the venue is expected to attract both traditional racegoers and a new generation of fans. From a commercial standpoint, the new facility is designed to generate increased footfall, partnership

‘This transition is about more than just a new location, it’s a forward-thinking investment in greyhound racing’s future’

opportunities, and event hosting capabilities that stretch well beyond the racing calendar.

Legacy and opportunity

Perry Barr, a fixture in Birmingham’s sporting culture since 1927, will continue operations for the time being, offering fans a chance to enjoy its historic atmosphere during its final months. A series of celebration events are planned to commemorate nearly a century of racing history.

Dunstall Park will inherit and elevate this legacy, becoming the new home of flagship competitions including the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks and the St Leger, reinforcing its place at the heart of the sport’s national calendar.

Looking forward

This development signals confidence in the future of greyhound racing and reflects a growing trend of aligning sport with broader leisure and hospitality experiences. The move is expected to bring long-term benefits to the regional economy, with increased visitor numbers, job creation, and enhanced business networking opportunities across Wolverhampton and the wider West Midlands.

Fancy joining the experience? Scan the QR code to sign up for a free ticket to the Brand New Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium.

The Business of Sport

Games legacy helps transform stadium

Alexander Stadium, host venue to the opening and closing ceremonies of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, has marked a new chapter in its 48-year history following the completion of its legacy capital redevelopment programme.

The two-year Commonwealth Games-funded capital programme included redevelopment work at Alexander Stadium and the neighbouring Perry Park and has produced new and improved infrastructure to inspire future generations.

This significant milestone was celebrated at Alexander Stadium, where key stakeholders and partners in the project, including the beloved mascot Perry the Bull, came together to recognise the success and explore the new facilities on offer.

Improvements at the Stadium include a new 120-station health and fitness suite, a new third generation artificial pitch for football and rugby, a new cycle studio and a refurbished indoors athletics hall. The permanent lighting

ECB honour for cricket legend

Warwickshire’s former cricket operations manager Keith Cook has been made an honorary life vice president by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

‘Cookie’ retired on day one of the new County Championship season to call time on a Bears career stretching back an incredible 51 years.

He was recently made an Honorary Life Member by Warwickshire in recognition of his outstanding service for more than half a century.

And he’s now one of the ECB’s first honorary life vice presidents as part of a new initiative designed to celebrate exceptional contributions to cricket.

Keith is one of six recipients – three from the professional game and three from recreational cricket – who were presented with commemorative silver bats to mark the honour at the ECB’s AGM in Southampton.

arrangement in the main stadium has been designed to future proof future growth and the securing of other major televised events.

At Perry Park, the redevelopment work includes a replacement children’s playground and new sports activation zone for the community, with new routes around the park and reservoir for running, walking and cycling.

Following the additional capital works, the stadium continues to be a world-class sporting venue and is set to welcome the European Athletics Championship in August 2026, the first time the UK has hosted the event.

Katie Sadleir, CEO at Commonwealth Sport, said: “Alexander Stadium’s transformation is an inspiring example of the continued legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“It embodies the Commonwealth Sport Movement’s ambition to create lasting impact beyond the field of play – delivering world-class facilities, enhancing community wellbeing, and inspiring the next generation of athletes.”

The Hundred makes return to Edgbaston

Edgbaston Stadium is gearing up for the return of The Hundred, the 100-ball cricket competition for the fifth consecutive year.

The Birmingham Phoenix teams, led by captains Ellyse Perry and Liam Livingstone, will face off against four rivals with each match day featuring both men's and women's games back-to-back.

The tournament kicks off with a “derby” between Birmingham Phoenix and Trent Rockets on Friday 8 August from 3pm, as the two rivals go head-to-head in one of the most anticipated games in The Hundred schedule.

‘The Hundred is always a highlight of the summer and both teams are excited to return to Edgbaston’

This year’s Birmingham Phoenix squad features exciting new talent, including Trent Boult, Georgia Voll and Emma Lamb, as well as fan-favourites Jacob Bethell and Emily Arlott, as they return to make their mark at Edgbaston.

Following the opening clash with Trent Rockets, Birmingham Phoenix will then host Oval Invincibles (12 August), London Spirit (17 August), and finally Welsh

Fire (22 August) in what looks set to be an unmissable and action-packed tournament.

Each ticket gives fans access to both the men's and women's matches on each day, with ticket sales already in strong demand for the 2025 fixtures.

New men’s team captain Liam Livingstone said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be named as Birmingham Phoenix captain this year.

“The Hundred is always a highlight of the summer and both teams are excited to return to Edgbaston for another incredible season.

“We can't wait to see you there.”

Beloved mascot: Perry the Bull at the opening event

All action: The Hundred returns to Edgbaston

Chamber Insight

Focus on a member

Name:

Hayley Lavery

Company: Crowe U.K. LLP

Job Title: Corporate audit partner

What does your company do?

Crowe U.K. LLP are a leading audit, tax, advisory and consulting firm. We have offices across the country and are part of Crowe Global, our international network. Our clients and our people are at the heart of everything we do.

How did it all start?

For me, back in 2001 when I left school and started my accountancy qualification. I joined Crowe in 2006 as a qualified audit senior.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?

Raising my two boys while pursuing my career.

What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken – and did it work out?

Buying my first property at the age of 21 – the best move I ever made.

What keeps you awake at night? Not much these days which is quite nice!

If you could turn the clock back, what would you do differently?

I believe that everything happens for a reason so I wouldn’t change anything – maybe worry a little less!

What has surprised you most in your job?

The lifelong friends I have made who are now not just work colleagues.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Grasp every opportunity that comes your way, even if it pushes you outside of your comfort zone – things are never as bad as you think.

Which business do you most admire?

There are too many to mention but I admire anyone who has started their own business.

What exciting projects is your business working on?

We have recently expanded our services with the launch of our new probate advisory offering which continues to enhance the breadth of services we offer to our clients.

What made you join Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and how are you making use of your membership?

Our commitment to supporting the regional business community and fostering meaningful connections across sectors are the main reasons for joining GBCC. We have participated in a range of Chamber-hosted events, from sector-specific forums to leadership roundtables. These have provided a platform to connect with fellow professionals, exchange insights, and explore opportunities with local businesses.

Tel: 0121 543 1951

Visit: www.crowe.co.uk

Meet the Team

So that members are fully up to date with the personnel in Chamber teams Chamberlink is updating the popular Meet the Team feature. This month we start with a Q&A session with Head of Department: David Harris from the busy Documentation Team

EXPORT DOCUMENTATION

Can you describe your role and your team’s primary responsibilities within the Chamber?

My role is to manage the team providing the Chambers export documentation service

What are the key services your team provides to members and the wider business community?

The issue of UK certificates of origin, EUR1 preference documents and ATA Carnets for the temporary movement of goods.

What does a typical day look like for your team?

Just a constant flow of work from exporters who have shipments ready to leave the UK

What’s a recent project, initiative, or success your team is particularly proud of?

Issuing the paperwork for one of the Formula 1 teams to move their equipment into Europe for this season’s races.

What are the most common challenges or needs your team helps members address?

Requests for very last-minute paperwork, we always try and help but our advice is don’t leave things too late.

What’s the most rewarding part of your work within the Chamber?

Talking customers through complex paperwork and then receiving a message days later when they have successfully completed their trip thanking us for our assistance.

What’s something people might not know about your team’s work but should?

That we can help train new members of staff in most things related to export documentation.

What are some fun facts about your team members?

Within the team we have a keen gardener, cyclist, footballer, film buff and a kick boxer!

Keeping goods moving: James Paddock, Cheryl Henn, David Harris, Satah Barton, and Jonathan Crosbie

New Members

Your guide to new sign-ups

A&A Digital Copier (Service) Ltd

Jonathon Brown

01283 525900

www.aadigitalcopiers.co.uk

Other service activities n.e.c.

Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

ACTIVE CLINICS Ltd

Tammy Takkar 0121 455 6529

www.activeclinics.co.uk

Hairdressing and other beauty treatment

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Adminbooks

Abdallah Saalah 0121 269 7845

www.adminbooks.co.uk

Bookkeeping activities

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Afsar Williams Solicitors

Naz Williams 01952 323432

www.afsarwilliams.com

Solicitors

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

AGLP ENTERPRISES LTD

Rose Marok

07837 338802

aglpenterprises.com

Support activities to performing arts

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Aleto Foundation

Oscar McEntee 07477 532304

aletofoundation.org.uk

Non-trading company non trading Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Arden Ultraviolet

Dan Arnold 01564 200826

www.ardenultraviolet.com

Engineering related scientific and technical consulting activities

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Aston University STEM Education

Academy Trust

Daniel Locke-Wheaton 0121 380 0570

www.auea.co.uk

Technical and vocational secondary education

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Aureol Global Connections Ltd

Lance Rose 07857 062724

www.aureolglobalconnections.com

Engineering related scientific and technical consulting activities

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Aurora Managed Services Ltd

Oliver Jones 020 7503 3000

www.aurora.co.uk

Renting and leasing of office machinery and equipment (including computers) Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Bazar

Sahar Rezazadeh 07824 968003

www.cafebazar.co.uk

Licenced restaurants

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Big Wave Creations

Scott Billing 07872 995811

Advertising agencies

Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham LGBT

Sheila Edwards 0121 643 0821

www.blgbt.org

Regulation of health care, education, cultural and other social services, not incl. social security

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Newmedica

Rachel Hill 07889 789515

www.newmedica.co.uk/clinics/birmingh

am

Specialists medical practice activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Blue Star Leasing

Paul Ward

07495 603550

www.bluestarleasing.com

Financial intermediation not elsewhere classified

Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

Cedar Tree Chiropractic Ltd

Ben Roberts 01283 567225

www.cedartreechiropractic.co.uk

Other human health activities

Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

Chef Lucas Catering Services Ltd

Lukasz Toborek 07472 813392

www.cheflucas.co.uk

Event catering activities

Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

City UK Services Ltd

Christian Turigel 0121 241 7510

www.cityheating.co.uk

Wholesale of hardware, plumbing and heating equipment and supplies

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Whatever your business size and requirements, the Chamber has a membership scale to suit your needs.

For more information visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/membership

CJE Developments & Property

Services Ltd

Conner Elwell 01922 552015

www.cjedevelopments.co.uk

Combined facilities support activities

Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce

CRG Education Ltd

Chris Butler 07828 901615

www.crgeducation.co.uk

Temporary employment agency activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Cybercy Group

Sunny Vara 0330 133 0133

www.cybercy.co.uk

Information technology consultancy activities

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Dachser Ltd

Tony Garner 07917 526900

www.dachser.co.uk

Freight transport by road Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

EiB Group Ltd

Christina Pimenta 0121 272 8336

www.eibps.co.uk

Management consultancy activities other than financial management Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Enclave

Erin McGee www.enclave.com/locations/birmingha m

Residents property management Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Exputo Ltd

Pendra Greenwood 07793 236500

www.pendra@exputo.co.uk

Management consultancy activities other than financial management Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

FATA Distributors Limited

Rashid Yaqub 07533 905992

Other food services

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

ForgedFit Gyms Ltd

Charlotte Gretton 07467 063873

www.forgedfitgyms.co.uk

Fitness facilities

Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

Harrison Clark Rickerbys LLP

Omer Simjee 0121 454 0739

www.hcrlaw.com

Solicitors

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Heritage Building and Renovations

Morgan Granger 0121 630 4024

www.heritagebuildingandrenovations.c o.uk

Construction of domestic buildings

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

JCWT Consulting

James Meyrick 07452 770470

www.jcwtconsulting.com

Financial management

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Joseph Broadfield Wealth Management

Joseph Broadfield 07815 596873

www.josephbroadfield.co.uk

Financial management

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Kingsbury Sutton Limited

Paul Lawrence 07970 383409

www.linkedin.com/company/kingsburysutton-limited/about

Other activities of employment placement agencies

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Lime Tree Business Services

Sarah Lightfoot 07544 185617

www.linkedin.com/company/lime-treebusiness-services

Other business support service activities n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Madoc & Rhodes (Lea Village) Ltd

Paul McGrory 0121 783 7811

www.madocandrhodes.co.uk

Non-life reinsurance

Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce

McGill Productions

Akshi Sharma 01524 907005

www.mcgillproductions.co.uk

Video production activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

PAR-TEE PLANNERS LLP

Tanice Jackson 07479 676482

www.par-teeplanners.co.uk

Other food services

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

As the voice of local business since 1813, we strive to help firms across the region

connect, support and grow.

Rainha Noir Coaching

Ana Indi Amona

07501 136542

www.sites.google.com/rainhanoircoachi ng.com/rainhanoircoaching/home

Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Rotary International District 1060

Amal Rampal

07885 424537

www.rotaryribi.org/districts/homepage.php?Distric tNo=1060

Activities of other membership organisations n.e.c.

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Roxy Leisure

Tatiana Murray 0113 467 2313

www.roxyleisure.co.uk/location/birming ham-victoria-square

Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Rudd Macnamara

Elisabeth Baldwin 0121 523 8437

www.ruddmacnamara.com

Manufacture of printed labels

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Solus Ceramics Ltd

Jo Prestage 0121 753 0777

www.solusceramics.com

Manufacture of ceramic tiles and flags

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Specialist Risk Insurance Solutions

Graham Pringle 07825 652438

www.specialistrisk.com

Activities of insurance agents and brokers

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Spinach Consultancy

Rich Johnson 020 7183 6332

www.spinachconsultancy.com

Other business support service activities n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

State Bank of India (UK) Limited

Abhishek Namdeo 07432 732984

www.sbiuk.statebank Banks

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Stress3life

Lorraine Johnson 07301 067368

www.stress-3life.com

Other business support service activities n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

The Footprints Family

Kerry Watson +254 711344129

www.footprintsfamily.com

Educational support services

Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

Tin Ventures Ltd

Alex Cole 07808 169034

www.tinventures.co.uk

Management consultancy activities other than financial management

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Turkish Airlines

Ceren Albayrak 0121 782 8010

www.turkishairlines.com

Scheduled passenger air transport

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Vail Williams

Carole Taylor 0121 654 1065

www.vailwilliams.com

Real estate agencies

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Verity Partners

Mehmood Rajoka 0330 043 4313

www.verity.partners

Management consultancy activities other than financial management

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Visionix Masters Ltd

Masoud Shabestari 07414 467747

www.visionix-masters.co.uk

Other information technology service activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

West Mids Finance Limited

Alexander Hunter 07391 017077

www.westmidsfinance.co.uk

Accounting and auditing activities

Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce

...any other business

A roundup of news from Chamber members

Ballet student documentary up for Emmys

A critically acclaimed documentary about an Elmhurst Ballet School, Birmingham, student has been nominated for two Emmy awards.

The Disney Original feature MADU tells the story of the cultural impact of 12-year-old Nigerian ballet dancer Anthony Madu’s journey as he leaves his community on the outskirts of Lagos to pursue a ballet career, training at Elmhurst.

From Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Matt Ogens (Audible) and award-winning filmmaker Kachi Benson (Daughters of Chibok), the documentary received a successful world premiere last year, opening the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February 2024, before being released on Disney+ in March 2024. The film is currently available to stream on Disney+.

MADU captures Anthony’s story after being discovered through a viral 44-second video that was posted online in 2020 and viewed over 16 million times. Having grown up in an isolated community outside of Lagos and with almost no formal training, viewers get a close look at Anthony’s journey after being awarded a scholarship to Elmhurst Ballet School, one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the UK.

Support for the local community

Insurance broker Howden Solihull has launched a collection bank for breakfast and toiletry items, aiming to help combat child poverty.

The team are working with the Colebridge Trust, a community development trust that focuses on tackling the effects of deprivation, empowering more people into work and training, and improving the life chances of local people.

Much of their efforts have focused on North Solihull, where neighbourhoods are ranked among the most deprived five to 10 per cent in England.

Collette Eccleston, senior insurance consultant at Howden Solihull, said: “We were really struck by the holistic approach the Colebridge Trust takes. They go beyond providing food parcels – they run cooking classes, offer employability support and help families get back on their feet.”

Anthony comes from a community with limited opportunities, making this a unique chance of a lifetime to pursue his dream. By engaging the audience in Lagos’s culture and fascinating surroundings, Ogens and Benson use their unique perspectives to bring the film to life.

Featuring candid realism and stunning visuals, the film immerses viewers into Anthony’s world and examines his journey in profoundly inspiring ways.

Jessica Ward, principal of Elmhurst Ballet School, said: “Everyone at Elmhurst Ballet School is immensely proud that MADU has garnered this critical acclaim and that Anthony’s incredible journey continues to be recognised and respected.”

Conference Aston’s initiative champions eco-friendly dining

Conference Aston, Birmingham's leading residential events and conference venue, has launched its latest sustainability initiative, Make Mondays Matter.

Following the success of last year’s low carbon, eco-friendly Christmas dinner, this innovative programme reimagines the traditional Monday lunchtime buffet with a bold shift towards sustainable, low-carbon dining.

As part of Conference Aston’s wider commitment to environmentally conscious practices, Make Mondays Matter is designed to encourage eco-friendly consumption without compromising on flavour or variety.

Each Monday, delegates can enjoy a thoughtfully curated three-course buffet featuring:

• Plant based and vegetarian dishes

• Sustainably sourced fish varieties, carefully selected to support marine biodiversity

• Locally sourced produce from within the Midlands

• No bake desserts

• Root to stem vegetable dishes.

Samantha Brown, head of Conference Aston, said: “Make Mondays Matter reflects our commitment to serving great food that’s also good for the planet.”

Royal visit: Anthony meets Queen Camilla, Elmhurst’s patron

Making Mondays matter: The Conference Aston team