Chamberlink June 25

Young professionals’ arm seeks stars of the past

See page 5

• Lawyers’ victory in Post Office scandal

• Hospital’s prostate breakthrough

• Jazz Festival on brink of extinction

Picture: Mike Baker

Contents

Chamberlink June 2025

40 International Trade: US trade deal provides relief for region’s firms

42 ABCC: Landmark UK-India trade deal welcomed 44 Cannock Chase: Former apprentice takes on an ‘unusual role’

45 Burton & District: Consultant is named vicepresident at AGM

46 Lichfield & Tamworth: Connecting businesses with future workforce

47 Royal Sutton Coldfield: Ideas wanted for charter anniversary

48 Solihull: Region needs better connectivity

50 Future Faces: Two more VIP golden tickets snapped up

52 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

Charitable Causes & Promotion: Supporting people with addiction

Fighting for meaningful change

Tourism & Hospitality: The impact of tourism

How to become a sustainable hospitality business

62 Business Travel: Birmingham Airport to soar to new heights

64 Finance: Accountant firm opens new city centre office

66 Manufacturing: Low-cost solution for manufacture

69 Legal: Freeths named Law Firm of the Year

70 Property: New lease of life for former police station

73 Skills: Funding supports apprentices

74 Technology: Council in call for customer service testers

76 The Arts: Sounds and soul food on offer at JQ pub

78 Sport: Aston Villa Foundation to host charity five-a-side Member Section

…any other business News from Chamber businesses

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

Play a part in bringing ethics to social media

There are lies, damn lies and social media, read the headline on Jeremy Clarkson’s Sunday Times column. The adulteration of the famous quote attributed to Benjamin Disraeli and Mark Twain couldn’t have rang more true.

For social media has developed into one of the great menaces of this age. Conspiracy theorists have found a platform for their mischievous rumour mongering as a basis for peddling false stories as fact.

Jeremy cited his own experience where social media used misinformation to report that he had sacked his farm manager Kaleb Cooper when they had merely agreed to part temporarily.

That is why Birmingham Chamber has joined forces with John Tsopanis, whose mission is to shape a more ethical digital environment.

His brainchild Bettr Social aims to build a deep tech social network with robust brand safety, meaningful user verification and controls promoting user well-being.

And he is inviting Chamber members to help shape the direction of Bettr Social by joining its exclusive Founding Creator programme at bettrsocial.co.uk (see page 16)

John recognises that there is a growing demand for healthier social media alternatives and he says his invitation to Chamber members represents “a distinct opportunity to be involved at the ground floor of this venture”.

Having worked for a lifetime in a trade which for all its flaws strives continuously to get its facts right and present balanced views, I wish John good luck – and if Chamber members can help him reach his goal, all the better.

Managing Editor: Laura Blake

Designers: Lloyd Hollingworth & Stuart Burton Advertising: 0121 765 4144 andy.baker@kempspublishing.co.uk

Printers: Stephens & George Print Group

Latest news from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

25-year celebration: (left to

award winner 2024/solicitor

Young

Celebrating 25 years of nurturing young talent Business News

By Dan Harrison

It has been a launchpad for many of the region’s future leaders – from Michelin star chefs to entrepreneurs.

The Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards is celebrating 25 years – a silver milestone for a golden institution.

Now under the umbrella of Future Faces, the awards (formerly Birmingham Young Professional of the Year) have been a symbol of Birmingham’s commitment to nurturing young talent.

The rollcall of winners is impressive. Past recipients of the main award include Michelinstar chef Aktar Islam, Rewired PR founder Ruth Pipkin and Anthony McCourt, whose firm Court Collaboration were behind Birmingham’s £100m ‘The Cube’ development.

Over the coming months, Future Faces – the young professionals’ arm of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce – will be marking the legacy of BYPY and GBYPY by telling the stories of some of the past winners.

The celebrations will culminate in a black-tie awards ceremony at the ICC on 17 October.

Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell said: “BYPY is iconic. The impact its past winners have made on region over the last 25 years has been incredible – from bringing Birmingham its first two-Michelin star restaurants to building The Cube. These awards have been a launchpad for some of Greater Birmingham’s finest.”

The original BYPY awards launched in 2001 under the auspices of the BPS Network.

In November 2020, BPS Birmingham (Business Professional Services Birmingham)

joined forces with Future Faces to create a single networking body and awards for the cityregion’s young professional community.

Nicola Fleet-Milne won the BYPY Entrepreneurial category in 2007 and is also a former chair of Birmingham Future, part of BPS Birmingham. Nicola, whose estate agency firm FleetMilne will sponsor the Creative Industrial and Culture award this year, said: “FleetMilne is delighted to sponsor the Creative Industries and Culture Award for GBYPY 2025, a category that is close to our hearts given its potential to shape both Birmingham’s thriving city centre cultural offering as well as that of the wider region.

“It's crucial that we encourage and support our young professionals to reach their goals, and it's wonderful to do so in BYPY’s 25th year.”

In 2024, Santina Bunting became the youngest Young Professional of the Year in the award’s history at the age of 19.

Santina, from global engineering consultancy Arup, said: “After winning, I really felt embraced by the Birmingham community. I’ve since been invited to speak at events, host awards, and even appear on magazine covers. Being part of the Future Faces and wider BYPY family has helped me feel even more connected to the city.”

• As part of the celebrations, Future Faces wants to hear from photographers who captured the magic moments of past BYPY award ceremonies. If you were a photographer at any of awards ceremonies from 2001-22, please get in touch at GBYPYAwards@birmingham-chamber.com

right): Nicola Fleet-Milne (past winner), Joel Blake (Future Faces Ambassador

at Wilkes), Sophie Poduval-Morrell (Future Faces manager), Santina Bunting (2024

Prof of the Year) and Sarah Griffiths (Future Faces president)

Picture: Mike Baker

Birmingham Chamber Premier members Freeths, who have offices in Colmore Circus, have secured compensation for victims of the Post Office data breach scandal.

The Top 50 national law firm, who are also Asian Business Chamber members, has led the way in securing vital interim compensation for the subpostmasters affected after the Post Office leaked confidential information of the original 555 claimants from the Horizon scandal.

‘We welcome the progress we have made with this case but there is still a long way to go’

Freeths’ national team, led by James Hartley, is now considered to be one of the foremost dispute resolution teams in the UK. Will Richmond-Coggan’s data protection disputes team is involved in many leading cases in this niche field and is nationally recognised for its outstanding expertise in this specialist area.

Freeths wins compensation for victims of Post Office Birmingham Royal Ballet names new chief executive

Last year the Post Office published an unredacted settlement document on their website, which was only taken down after being publicised in the national media in June 2024.

The document contained the names and addresses of subpostmasters who were party to the agreement alongside confidential information about their settlements and circumstances.

Freeths’ dedicated specialist data protection team acted promptly to issue a letter of claim on behalf of their affected clients, supported by other claimant solicitors who allied themselves with Freeths’ position. Although negotiations are ongoing, lawyers acting for the Post Office eventually confirmed that most of those affected would receive a significant interim compensation payment.

The team at Freeths has not only been working on behalf of their own sub-postmaster clients but also sharing their considerable expertise in this niche area with the

other firms representing subpostmasters whose details were breached.

Freeths lawyers have secured an admission of the breach by the Post Office and, recognising the impact this has had on all the individuals affected, agreement from the Post Office to make these interim compensation payments without requiring claims to be issued, but also without limiting the scope for further claims to be pursued.

These interim payments have now been made and distributed to the majority of the affected subpostmasters.

Leading on the data breach claim on behalf of the postmasters, Will Richmond-Coggan, Freeths’ partner and national head of data breach litigation, said: “We welcome the progress we have made with this case but there is still a long way to go to recognise the devastating impact of this

breach for those affected. My team will continue to use our considerable expertise in matters like these to secure a final resolution to this situation.”

Freeths acted for its 555 subpostmaster clients in connection with the landmark High Court victory against the Post Office, which exposed Britain’s largest miscarriage of justice, leading to the quashing of hundreds of criminal convictions and the establishment of the ongoing public inquiry.

Alongside the data breach claim, the firm continues to fight for justice in its ongoing work representing sub-postmasters within the GLO ex gratia compensation scheme.

Freeths is urging people to come forward to find out if they are eligible under the new scheme and can be contacted on OverTurnedConvictionTeam@freet hs.co.uk and hssappeals@freeths.co.uk

Paul James has been appointed chief executive of Birmingham Royal Ballet after playing an acting role since December. Before that he was the company’s chief commercial officer.

Chair of Birmingham Royal Ballet Sir David Normington said: ‘I am absolutely delighted with the appointment of Paul James as chief executive. I know he combines a passion for our mission to take great ballet everywhere, with the leadership and management skills to help us meet financial and other challenges that lie ahead.

“He and Carlos Acosta will be a great team and I am looking forward to working with them both to bring exciting and ambitious programming to the widest possible audiences.”

Director Carlos Acosta said: “I am deeply grateful to Paul for his steadfast commitment in stabilising the company

following the untimely death of our much-missed CEO Caroline Miller in December, 2024.”

Paul said: “It is an honour to be asked to stand alongside Carlos Acosta and lead this extraordinary company forward. These are not easy days for the arts and cultural sector, but I know just what the team here can do, and together we will continue to transform the business of ballet.”

Before joining Birmingham Royal Ballet as chief commercial officer in October 2017, Paul worked as senior vice president of Global Brand Marketing for a Fortune 500 company based in New York and for a privately held hospitality brand in Singapore.

A passionate supporter of the arts, Paul is a trustee of Dancefest in Worcester and an advocate for dance's ability to provide transformative experiences for both audiences and participants.

• More arts news on pages 18 and 76.

Not easy days: Paul James Picture: Johan Persson

Nationally recognised: Will Richmond-Coggan (left)

Celebrating metal in the Midlands

Three live acts representing the future of heavy metal music in the UK are to perform at a special BBC celebration of the influence of Black Sabbath in Birmingham this summer.

Rising stars CHERRYDEAD, GANS, and Meatdripper, all hailing from across the West Midlands, will light up the stage at Town Hall for BBC Radio WM celebrates Metal in the Midlands on Wednesday 2 July.

Spanning heavy metal genres sludge, stoner, doom, folk, psych, alt and nu metal, and drawing on hardcore, punk, hard rock and other ends of the heavy music spectrum, the three acts are currently flying high with support from industry, fans, and media across the country.

Presented by BBC Radio in the West Midlands with cultural organisations B:Music and Home of Metal, the one-off event places a new generation of metalheads at the heart of a sonic exploration of the Sabbath effect over the years.

Brummie musical pioneers Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward, born in the

Aston area of the city, established heavy metal through their musical style in the late 1960s.

‘We wanted to celebrate our rich heritage by presenting this special event as the world's biggest heavy metal bands descend on Birmingham’

BBC Radio WM celebrates Metal in the Midlands is planned to coincide with Sabbath’s muchanticipated “Back to the Beginning” final show at Villa Park in Birmingham on Saturday, 5 July.

Featuring a Home of Metal film screening, an industry panel discussion and DJ sets - with further details to be revealed soon - the evening marks a remarkable homecoming for the four sons of Birmingham - to be awarded “Freedom of the City’” in recognition of their efforts and exceptional service to the Midlands city.

Chris Pegg, editor of BBC Radio WM, said: “Birmingham is the birthplace of heavy metal. We wanted to celebrate our rich heritage by presenting this special event as the world’s biggest heavy metal bands descend on Birmingham.

“To be presenting a new generation of metal acts in such an important venue for music in the region today demonstrates our commitment to supporting the major music stars of tomorrow.”

Chris Proctor, head of programming at B: Music, the charity which manages Town Hall

Birmingham, said: “We’re delighted to not only be working with BBC in Birmingham and Home of Metal again, and also the future stars of UK metal - this is shaping up to be a phenomenal night marking the return of four Birmingham musicians.”

Tickets for BBC Radio WM celebrates Metal in the Midlands at Town Hall Birmingham, priced £5 are available at bmusic.co.uk

• Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival faces uncertain future –see page 12

• More arts news – page 76

On the Town Hall menu: Meatdripper

Redefining software development

Greater Birmingham, Coventry & Warwickshire and Black Country Chambers of Commerce have formed a partnership with B13 to gather insights on software development in the region.

B13 is an early-stage venture specialising in Venture Mapping, a methodology that enables non-technical innovators to clearly define what software needs to be built to meet business goals with minimal risk. The insights will help inform B13's mission to redefine software development for non-technical innovators.

‘We want to ensure that every SME, no matter its size or resources, can access worldclass software solutions’

Research by the Business Commission West Midlands found that, in 2024, 52 per cent of firms were expecting to increase their investment in technology and artificial intelligence, with AI and digitisation identified as one of five key levers for economic growth.

This new project will seek to understand how businesses across the West Midlands Combined Authority area are faring in developing new software solutions and the challenges they are facing. For the purposes of the research, software

PR firm reveals brand refresh

An award-winning PR and communications agency is ready to embark on a new chapter in its history following a major rebrand.

MIH – which stands for “Make It Happen” – has spent months carefully designing and building an eye-catching, user-friendly website that showcases the huge range of services it offers.

And those services will now be delivered under the Burton-based company’s new MIH Group brand, the centrepiece of which is a fresh and modern new logo.

MIH associate director James Benstead, who has spearheaded the rebranding and new website project, said: “At MIH, we enjoy a fantastic working environment that gives us space to be creative and explore new ideas. Our tight-knit team of communications and production experts love working together every day.”

MIH managing director Jo Yeaman said: “A great deal of thought has gone into our new branding and every colour, shape and font is designed to reflect our evolution as a business.”

development may include activities such as building a mobile app, developing new digital tools and bespoke CRM systems, creating customer portals, or automating internal processes.

The Chambers will be looking to gather insights on these topics through their Quarterly Business Report surveying, as well as focus groups with employers in Greater Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire and the Black

Country. The Behind the Build report, summarising the findings of the research, will be published in October at one of the Chamber’s Business Growth Studio events.

Raj Kandola, acting CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Software development presents a vital opportunity for businesses across the West Midlands to innovate, improve efficiency, and support economic growth.

“To fully realise this potential, this research aims to produce a clear picture of the outlook for software development in the region, the challenges firms are facing and future needs in software development. It will then be used to inform the delivery of successful software development projects for the future.”

Tara Lawrence, CEO at B13, said: “Software development shouldn’t be a daunting process –it should feel empowering.

“We want to ensure that every SME, no matter its size or resources, can access world-class software solutions that may once have seemed out of reach.

“The findings from the Chambers’ research are a crucial step in helping us better understand the challenges that businesses in the West Midlands face, and in shaping solutions that meet their needs.”

Chamber’s ESG efforts earn Bronze CSR Accreditation

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has been awarded a CSR accolade – earning the Midlands’ premier business organisation a glowing tribute.

Richard Collins, CEO of national body CSR Accreditation, praised the work of the Chambers’ executive office manager Kate Warnaby and her team following the business group’s bronze award.

Mr Collins said: “Congratulations to Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) for achieving a well-deserved Bronze CSR Accreditation.

Great work by Kate Warnaby and the team for an exceptional application.

“The GBCC, has over 210 years of heritage and their mission is simple yet powerful: to support and grow local businesses. This mission is underpinned by core values – customer, culture, community, and core –which serve as guiding principles for its activities and internal culture.”

Kate and the environmental social governance (ESG) team say they are delighted with the Bronze award and aim to achieve a higher award next time while knowing that the organisation is making a positive difference for the Chamber and future generations.

Kate Warnaby said: “When I and the ESG team started this journey, it was challenging to determine where to start.

“We explored numerous websites, government sites, consulted with other organisations who had started the process and utilised AI to help develop our initial strategy.

“As a group we divided into working groups, focusing on environmental, community and inclusivity areas.

“As a group we were enthusiastic and driven to show to ourselves and the CSR Accreditation that we were engaged and committed to our CSR journey, whilst encouraging our colleagues at the Chamber to get involved and understand that we can make a difference.”

To register for CSR accreditation, go to: csraccreditation.co.uk

Empowering software: Tara Lawrence

Momentum:

Kate Warnaby

President’s Focus

Neelam Afzal, partner at Wildings Solicitors and co-president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), addresses wage increases driven by National Insurance cuts and the Living Wage. She draws on her extensive legal expertise and a deep commitment to community representation. Neelam is passionate about promoting fairness, inclusion, and economic resilience across Greater Birmingham’s diverse business landscape.

The UK is experiencing significant changes in wage structures, prompted by two key government policies: an increase in the National Living Wage and a reduction in National Insurance (NI) contributions.

These changes aim to support workers amid continued cost-ofliving pressures, but they also present important considerations for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

In April 2025, the National Living Wage rose to £12.21 per hour and is now applicable to workers aged 21 and over, compared to the previous threshold of 23. This adjustment represents a substantial increase for younger workers.

Additionally, employee NI contributions have been reduced to eight per cent following cuts introduced in 2023. Combined, these measures are intended to improve take-home pay and stimulate consumer spending.

‘The ABCC works to ensure that the interests of Asian businesses are represented through ongoing dialogue with local and national policymakers’

While the intent behind these policies is to support households and drive economic activity, their impact on businesses is more complex.

Many businesses in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and care (where labour costs form a large portion of overheads) are seeing increased pressure on their profit margins. Employers are now reviewing pricing structures, staffing levels, and investment plans to manage rising wage bills.

Another challenge is “wage compression,” where businesses must raise salaries for employees earning just above the new living wage to maintain pay differentials.

This adds further strain to payroll budgets and complicates long-term financial planning.

Some organisations have reported benefits, including improved employee morale, reduced staff turnover, and increased productivity.

These are positive indicators that higher wages may contribute to a more stable and motivated workforce. An increase in disposable income may also help support demand in the retail and service sectors.

In response to these shifts, the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) plays a vital role in supporting its members. The

ABCC works to ensure that the interests of Asian businesses are represented through ongoing dialogue with local and national policymakers. This includes voicing concerns about wage policies, National Insurance costs, and workforce challenges.

Additionally, for Asian-owned businesses, additional opportunities exist through the Chamber’s growing international trade support and networks such as the Women’s Business Network, which promotes inclusive growth and leadership.

Businesses seeking to navigate these changes can benefit from the broader support offered by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of

Commerce, particularly through initiatives such as the Business Growth Studio. This resource provides access to training, guidance, and expert tools across key areas including finance, marketing, strategy, and digital innovation. It is designed to help SMEs improve efficiency, adapt business models, and explore new markets.

The ABCC remains committed to helping its members thrive in a changing business environment. Collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and active engagement with Chamber services can provide the support needed to respond to current pressures while planning for sustainable growth.

Neelam Afzal

The Griffin Report

Jim Simpson has been the mainstay of Birmingham’s Jazz and Blues Festival for over 40 years, bringing into the city’s bars, restaurants and hotels 88,000 people every year. But the loss of major sponsors, including Birmingham City Council, has brought the event to the brink of extinction. JON GRIFFIN asked Jim why he fears this year’s festival could be its last.

It’s a cultural feast which has pumped untold millions into the West Midlands economy for more than 40 years – but Jim Simpson fears this year’s Birmingham’s Jazz and Blues Festival could be the last…

The 87-year-old festival director – the man who discovered Black Sabbath and an irrepressible mainstay of the city’s music scene for more than 60 years – pulls no punches over the future of the biggest free jazz and blues festival in the UK.

“We have to make this one work financially otherwise almost certainly I don’t see us doing it again. What other event brings 88,000 people in? But I am unable to clock up further debt to do it another year.

“If we don’t get to break even at this year’s festival, I doubt there will be another one after this year.”

The finances surrounding the future of the city’s biggest annual festival are stark. In 2024, the festival received total funding of more than £44,000, comprising £10,000 from Sandwell Council, £15,000 from Westside BID, £1,000 from the Musicians Union, £3,432 from a GoFundMe campaign and a private donation of £15,000.

But this year’s budget has been more than halved to just £20,800 following loss of funds from the Westside BID, while Birmingham City Council’s financial difficulties have seen that funding source dry up after many years of cash support.

Against that difficult backdrop, Jim – awarded an honorary doctorate in music from the University of Birmingham for his services to the city’s music scene –is understandably keen to carry on banging the drum for an event which brings in tens of thousands of jazz and blues fans to the city from far and wide.

‘It is going to be a great festival but if we don’t break even, this is it’

The distinguished roll-call of musical acts appearing at the festival over the years tells its own story, from Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, BB King and the Count Basie Orchestra to the Blues Brothers Band, Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames and the Spencer Davis Group.

“Last year, we raised £41,000 which was short of our target of £50,000 but we still put on the biggest festival event ever held in this city. It was our 40th year, we presented 239 performances with 230 of them free in 120 venues and we were just a few people short of 88,000 people attending.

“It will happen this year – there will be at least 160 performances with 95 per cent of them free

admission. We have got some new clients on board – such as Selfridges – and it is going to be a great festival but if we don’t break even, this is it.”

Jim is now appealing to the city’s business community to back this year’s event. “We are asking companies to consider enrolling as a Friend of the Festival and making a one-off donation of £500.

“It means a business donates £500 and gets acknowledged in all the press and the festival programme as a Friend of the Festival.” Organisers say the support of 50 companies with each contributing £500 would ensure the continued existence of the event into the future.

Jim is also seeking sponsors for a variety of events associated with the festival, from free ukelele lessons laid on at locations varying from the Children’s Hospital to

retirement homes to jitterbug lessons and the work of the event’s photographer, Dutchman Merlin Daleman, who flies over every year to capture many of the sights and scenes of Birmingham’s biggest annual musical celebration.

The festival director is proud that the event has never missed a year since its launch in 1985 – even surviving the grim Covid era which wreaked havoc with the entertainment industry.

“This will be our 41st festival – we have never missed a year, even in Covid. We put on live events through both the Covid years, the only entertainment company to do so in the Midlands, maybe in the country.”

But some of those live events could be jeopardised without the support of Birmingham’s hotel sector. “Until we have got a festival hotel – or various hotels contributing rooms – we can’t book

Honour: Jim is awarded an honorary doctorate in music from the University of Birmingham for his services to the city’s music scene

people from out of the country.

“We bring in top jazz players –you have got to give them a hotel. You can’t have them drive from London and then drive back at 3am in the morning.

“We have got bands coming over from Estonia, France – I have got bands from Germany and Spain held pending hotels. With the reduced funding we need probably four hotels to each contribute maybe 20 rooms.”

Jim points out that the influx of thousands of people into the city –spending money on hotel accommodation, restaurants, bars and the like – is an integral part of the festival’s commercial value to Birmingham.

“A huge amount of our audience come from outside the West Midlands – the hotels where the musicians stay, that’s where the public want to stay as well. They

can go down to breakfast and say, hey, that’s the trumpet player we saw last night – it is a wonderful community.

“Not only do hotels host the musicians and the travelling audience, but we put shows on as well. And a lot of people who wouldn’t normally go into a hotel or a café bar discover these nice locations – and keep coming back.”

‘There is such goodwill from the community for the festival, some people have been coming for 15-20 years – it’s what keeps you going’

Jim says the sheer scale of the festival line-up and performances makes the 18-27 July event a unique occasion for Birmingham and the West Midlands. “You don’t have to go into the subdued atmosphere of a concert room to enjoy it – we put shows on in stores.

“We are going into Selfridges this year, Lee Longlands furniture shop, the Bullring, other shops. We go out beyond Birmingham. Every library, museum and art gallery in Sandwell has our music – plus commercial businesses as well –they are terrific. We put musicians on the Metro and they attract everyone’s attention.”

Jim, who combines his work as mainstay of the festival with running Broad Street-based Big Bear Records, the UK’s longestrunning independent label, says a main sponsor would throw the

event a crucial lifeline. “We would really welcome a core sponsor. If we could get £10,000 from a core sponsor, that would be absolutely brilliant.

“It’s a matter of minimising the debt we have when the festival is over, when the crunch time comes and all the money comes in from the events.

“There is such goodwill from the community for the festival, some people have been coming for 15-20 years – it’s what keeps you going, you feel you can’t let them down. You stand at the back of a room full of people with a band rocking its socks off and everybody enjoying it – it gives you a great feeling, it’s very rewarding.”

Businesses or individuals wishing to support the festival can contact Jim at Big Bear Music or jim@bigbearmusic.com

Irrepressible: Jim Simpson on the Black Sabbath bench as he prepares to interest the region’s business community is saving Birmingham’s Jazz and Blues Festival

KWB appointed to apartments

Regal Property Group has appointed KWB managing agents of its new apartments at South Central, Birmingham – as demand from young city professionals grows.

Located at 33 Essex Street, in the Southside district of Birmingham city centre, South Central comprises 166 apartments, located over 30 floors. In their role as managing agents, KWB is responsible for the concierge service, operation of the communal facilities, ongoing maintenance and cleaning, security and resident liaison.

Nicola Fagan, associate director at KWB, said: “South Central offers exceptional city centre living in the heart of Birmingham that answers the needs of the modern city dweller.”

Expansion for Sedulo Group

One of the UK’s leading midtier business advisory firms, Sedulo Group, has announced its expansion in Birmingham following growth success in the city, opening a new regional base at Bruntwood SciTech’s Cornwall Buildings.

The company's new base of 5,000 sq ft in the Grade II-listed city centre innovation hub, strategically situated in the heart of the Colmore Business District will support the company’s burgeoning growth and enable their new hub to support up to 40 people.

HS2 boss in rallying call for investors to get on board

HS2 Ltd chief executive Mark Wild has issued a rallying cry to the property sector to capitalise on the huge investment opportunities being generated by the project.

Speaking at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), Mark Wild outlined how Britain’s new high-speed railway is already creating a new corridor of growth between London and the West Midlands.

Economic research, conducted by Arcadis, shows that HS2 is spearheading a £20bn boost in the areas surrounding its new station sites in Birmingham, Solihull and West London.

In the West Midlands, HS2 is the driving force behind plans for 41,000 homes, 30,835 new jobs and 704,000 square metres of commercial floorspace near to its three key sites – Curzon Street Station, Interchange Station and the Network Integrated Control Centre, the research said.

Speaking at the event at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, Mark Wild said: “The scale of investment and regeneration since HS2 received Royal Assent less than a decade ago is staggering, but the 140-mile route linking London to Birmingham is still ripe with opportunities, far beyond the £20bn boost we’re already seeing.

“HS2’s success and legacy relies on the investors and developers sitting in front of me today, and my message to them is simple – ‘let’s deliver growth together’.”

Despite recent progress, HS2 is currently undergoing a fundamental reset to make sure the railway can be delivered efficiently and for the lowest feasible cost.

Influential figureheads from the urban regeneration, investment, and property development sectors, who have already seized upon HS2’s arrival, joined Mark Wild on stage.

Tom Wagner, co-founder of Knighthead Capital Management and owner of Birmingham City Football Club, outlined his vision for a new £3bn Sports Quarter in East Birmingham.

Enhanced transport connectivity is at the heart of his plans for a new 60,000-seater stadium, sports campus of training facilities, a new academy, community pitches as well as leisure, commercial and residential development – creating around 8,500 jobs.

Katie Trout, deputy chief executive at West Midlands Growth Company, is connecting private sector investors and developers to some the UK’s most significant regeneration schemes.

• More property news – page 70

Agency takes ‘pride’ in successful first year

A fast-growing city centre creative agency has completed a “reimagining” of Birmingham Pride 2025.

Studio 3.5, founded 12 months ago by creative and marketing specialists Laura Hanlon and Adam Smith, was brought in to reconnect the two-day festival to its roots and vital protest work.

The experienced team developed “No Pride without protest, no protest without Pride” after a series of deep-dive discovery sessions, giving equal weight to its activist roots, serious advocacy work and the joy of celebration.

A new campaign - ‘Pride Makes It Possible’captured the power of the Pride movement to bring people together, celebrate progress, and drive meaningful change.

It was seen across social media, transport hubs and some of Birmingham’s most iconic locations, including Bullring Birmingham, the Aston Expressway, Birmingham Lights and Dartmouth Middleway.

This latest high-profile campaign marks a hugely successful first year for Studio 3.5, with

revenues exceeding £100,000 and a client portfolio spanning Hippodrome London and Holden Copley to Rewritten and UK College of Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy.

“As a relatively young agency, we were delighted to be given the huge responsibility to rediscover what makes Birmingham Pride so special, a movement that does so much for the Midlands and raises so much money for charity that it rarely shouts about,” said Laura.

Studio 3.5 launched last year, although it has been in the making since 2022 after a group of talented brand strategists, paid media professionals and creatives decided there was an opportunity in the marketplace to offer a true “white glove” service. This means that all work by the Birmingham agency is completed by experienced experts, with additional specialists brought in to deliver specific project objectives.

Laura added: “We’re called Studio 3.5 because it takes 3.5 per cent of the population to stand behind a cause for change to happen - that’s our mantra and our overwhelming philosophy.”

Founders: Adam Smith and Laura Hanlon of Studio 3.5

Ripe with opportunities: Mark Wild

Get support for addiction

SIAS (Solihull Integrated Addiction Services) has developed a support package to help businesses tackle alcohol and drug misuse, which significantly impacts the UK workforce, leading to substantial losses in productivity and working hours.

With its “Stay Safe, Stay Smart” wellbeing campaign, the organisation is working closely with businesses to help promote responsible choices for drink and drugs.

Its experienced team help employers to identify the signs that an employee or colleague could be struggling, and to understand the issues involved. Ultimately, the aim is to support employees so that they stay well and enjoy their job while also protecting productivity.

Mark Pemberton, service manager-engagement at SIAS, says: “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 this can spiral into dependency without people realising it.

“Telltale signs are perhaps being late or missing deadlines at work or becoming irritable and arguing with colleagues or family members. These are signs that dependency is creeping in and recognising you have a problem is the first step towards recovery.

“This is where SIAS can help with support packages tailored to meet each individual’s needs. We would welcome enquiries from any organisation who would like to extend their HR toolkit with this wellbeing programme.”

Members’ chance to shape the future of social media

Chamber members are being invited to help shape the future of social media by signing up to a new programme.

Bettr Social - the brainchild of Birmingham tech prodigy John Tsopanis – is a new social media platform prioritising brand safety, human-centric interaction and positive social impact.

And Chamber members are being invited to help shape the direction of Bettr Social by joining its exclusive Founding Creator programme at bettrsocial.co.uk

John says the initiative offers an opportunity for the local business community to play their part in shaping a more ethical digital environment.

Bettr Social aims to build a deep tech social network with robust brand safety, meaningful user verification, and controls promoting user well-being.

It also promises to “fill the streets with immersive augmented reality experiences”.

The first 50 Founding Creator positions are reserved exclusive for Chamber member businesses.

To secure a place, members must pledge to allocate a minimum of 10 per cent of their current social media advertising spend to Bettr

Social upon its launch. In return, they will be automatically followed by the first 100 million users and receive a complimentary bespoke AR installation for their business.

A further 50 positions are available for established creators with over 100,000 followers whose values align with Bettr's mission for a healthier online space. They must pledge to concurrently post content on Bettr Social alongside existing platforms upon launch.

John said: “The growing demand for healthier social media alternatives presents a unique moment for innovation. Bettr Social aims to meet this need, offering a platform built for meaningful engagement and ethical practices.

“For the Birmingham business community and local creators, the Founding Creator programme represents a distinct opportunity to be involved with this venture.”

Bishop Fleming’s tax accolade

Leading audit, accountancy, tax, and advisory firm, Bishop Fleming, has been named Best Tax Practice in a Regional Firm at the Tolley’s Tax Awards 2025.

The award recognises Bishop Fleming’s success in delivering market-leading tax services, technical expertise, and innovative solutions to businesses and individuals across the UK.

Chris Walklett, partner and head of corporate tax, added: “Winning this award is a fantastic recognition

of the expertise, dedication and client-first approach that defines our tax team.

“This success also reflects our ongoing investment in our people and the business. Over the past year, we’ve strengthened our team with senior hires from Big Four and top 10 firms and enhanced our client experience through technology and process innovation.”

• For more financial news see page 64

Funding awarded to tackle job quality crisis

The University of Birmingham’s Centre (UoB) for Evidence and Implementation Science has been awarded new funding by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to assist in a major study on the growing crisis of job quality and health.

The funding is part of NIHR’s £7m initiative to address health-related economic inactivity in the UK. Job-related ill-health impacts employers’ productivity and costs, through lost working days, sickness absence and associated conflict at work.

It shortens people’s working lives and results in too many people being unable to work, leading to NHS and welfare costs. The total UK cost may be more than £100bn a year.

Professor Amy Grove and Dr Lena Alkhudairy, from UoB, are leading the evidence hub component of the project, which will identify what aspects of jobs make them healthy and unhealthy, enabling ideal types of healthy jobs to be identified and constructed.

Professor Grove, director of the university’s Centre for Evidence and Implementation

Science, said: “We have a national crisis in the UK due to job-related ill health.

“We have high rates of absenteeism and poor productivity in certain sectors. Previous interventions have tried to solve the problem of the ‘worker’. We are flipping this narrative and aiming to fix and improve jobs, not workers.

“Improving public health and reducing health inequalities in this way has not been attempted before. The aim of this project is to better understand the links between job quality and health.”

Tax titans: The Bishop Fleming team celebrate their success

Digital opportunity: John Tsopanis

The Maiden of Venice, Carlos Acosta’s reimagining of the 19th-century classic, La Bayadère, will receive its world premiere at Birmingham Hippodrome in September 2026.

It is the first time Birmingham Royal Ballet has had a full-length La Bayadère in its repertory.

Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, Carlos Acosta, said: “Since arriving at BRB five years ago I have always had a vision of re-making La Bayadère. It is such an important ballet - to me personally, but also to the sector and to audiences. “

The Maiden of Venice will premiere at the Birmingham Hippodrome from 26 September to 3 October 2026. The official opening night will be Tuesday 29 September.

Birmingham Hippodrome’s New Musical Theatre department has announced local preview performances of romcom musical Hot Mess ahead of its world premiere at Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer.

It will preview at the Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio on Thursday, 24 July and Friday, 25 July, before playing at Pleasance Two in Edinburgh from Wednesday 30 July to Monday 25 August.

Tickets can be purchased at birminghamhippodrome.com or by calling 0121 689 3000.

Birmingham Rep has revealed more productions coming to their stages this autumn and beyond.

Due to high demand, an additional performance of Yeh Dosti: Celebrating 50 Years of Sholay has been added on Friday, 8 August, in The House.

After captivating Birmingham audiences earlier this year, Myra’s Story will be back in 2026 – playing at The Rep on Sunday 15, March

Following five sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe, UK tours and a West End season, Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho comes to The Rep from Friday, 24 to Sunday,26 October.

For full details of the Rep’s programme go to: birmingham-rep.co.uk

• For more arts news turn to page 76

Events space provider reveals premium upgrades

NEC Group, the owner and operator of bp pulse LIVE and Utilita Arena Birmingham, have unveiled their newly upgraded premium spaces.

he reimagined spaces were brought to life by Method. Taking inspiration from the golden age of disco and the warmth of the 1970s, these spaces combine glitz, glamour, and modern sophistication to offer an elevated event experience.

The newly-rebranded bp pulse Showdeck has been redesigned to prioritise guest comfort. Featuring an inviting lounge and bar area, the deck provides a setting where guests can relax and enjoy refreshments just moments from their seats in the arena bowl.

Both arenas have also introduced upgraded food and beverage offerings. To complement these renovations, the arenas have launched two new membership packages — Headliner and Icon — designed to offer businesses and individuals exclusive access, bespoke hospitality, and unparalleled benefits.

The Headliner membership provides two seats at 30 or 60 events per year across both arenas, guaranteeing members the right to purchase tickets for additional shows.

Members can enjoy complimentary food and drinks, access to a private lounge and bar, fast-track entry via a dedicated private entrance, car parking, and a post-event lounge experience. Additional perks include a dedicated account manager and exclusive access to artist merchandise, ensuring a seamless event experience.

Empowering Women event comes to Brum

The West Midlands will host the Empowering Women in Business (EWIB) event this year, marking its debut in the region. This event, now in its 12th year, has become a powerful platform for celebrating the achievements, ambitions, and potential of women in business.

The 2025 EWIB event, themed “The Power of Balance: Leading Your Life and the Business You Love – Empower Yourself to Thrive with Passion and Pride,” will feature inspiring keynote talks, expert panels, and intimate fireside chats.

Speakers will include:

• Professor Tanya Byron, renowned clinical psychologist, broadcaster, and Times columnist

• Captain Emma Henderson MBE, former airline captain and founder of Project Wingman

• Nikki Senior, coach from Mindspan, a professional wellbeing company

• Rachel Haslam, director at Team Academy, a leadership and development company

• Pip Wilkins QFP, CEO of the BFA, who will host a fireside chat with Carys Jukes from Mewstone Candle Company

The event takes place on 18 June at West Midland Safari Park, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1LF. Tickets: at £145 + VAT are available at thebfa.org

The Icon Membership also provides two seats at 30 events annually across both arenas, alongside guaranteed ticket access for additional shows.

Jen Mitchell, managing director of NEC Group Arenas, said: “Our premium membership packages and upgraded spaces have been designed to meet the evolving expectations of our guests.

“These enhancements reflect our dedication to providing outstanding hospitality and creating unforgettable experiences.”

Premier experience: The new facilities at Utilita Arena

Speaker: Tanya Byron

Chamberlink spotlights the amazing medical work being carried out in the Greater Birmingham region – and highlights a touching poem.

Heartfelt poem shared by hospice

A gifted writer whose mother was cared for by Birmingham Hospice has authored a special poem in honour of the hospice’s peaceful café, The Hive.

Amanda Hemmings has created a special composition which reflects the soothing nature of the vital communal space which is often used by people visiting loved ones in the Inpatient Unit (IPU).

Titled “Welcome to the Hive”, the poem has been framed and placed in both reception and the café at the hospice’s Selly Park and Erdington sites.

“I wanted to give something back to the hospice; the care they gave to my mum was wonderful,” said Amanda.

“The Hive is a place people can come to if they are visiting or have lost a loved one; it brings a sense of peace and comfort and allows you to sit with your thoughts and reflect. The first time I visited I was struck by how peaceful I felt.”

Hospice visitor and volunteer experience manager Sandra Humphries said: “I thought the poem was beautiful. When I read it, I found myself smiling with a little tear in my eye, because she had beautifully captured the essence of The Hive.”

Innovative prostate treatment now on offer

An innovative treatment for enlarged prostates is now being offered to NHS patients in Sandwell and West Birmingham for the first time with improved recovery times and long-term benefits.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, or HoLEP, is a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anaesthetic and involves using a laser to remove parts of the prostate.

‘Lots of men over the age

of 50 will have problems with an enlarged prostate’

It is now being performed by urologists at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.

Patients who undergo HoLEP will spend less time recovering in hospital and will need to wear a catheter for a shorter amount of time than those who undergo a

transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

There is also a lower risk of complications with HoLEP, as there is less bleeding than TURP surgery and therefore a reduced chance of the patient requiring a blood transfusion.

Consultant urologists Mr Fahd Khan and Ananda Dhanasekaran have now performed over 15 HoLEP procedures, under the mentorship of Mr Farooq Khan, a consultant urologist in the NHS who specialises in laser prostate surgery.

Mr Fahd Khan, who helped establish the HoLEP service at the trust, said: “Lots of men over the age of 50 will have problems with an enlarged prostate which can reduce their quality of life in many ways.

“I am very pleased that we can now offer this treatment to them, which will help them to recover faster and reduce any chance of needing more surgery in the future. There is also no limitation on the size of the prostate we can operate on using HoLEP, which means we can help treat even more men.”

Nurses and midwives commended for care

Nurses and midwives at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust were highlighted for their dedication and compassionate care during an awards ceremony on International Nurses’ Day.

At the event, at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, colleagues across nursing and midwifery were shortlisted for various accolades which included awards reflecting the Trust values ambition, respect and compassion (ARC), and Acute Midwife of the Year and Healthcare Assistant Award.

Mel Roberts, chief nursing officer and deputy chief executive, introduced the event, reminding

ALL THE WINNERS:

• Marc Rocisca - Ambition Award

• Wilhelmina Goodwin - Ambition Award

• Hayley Lezzi - Respect Award

• Bandana Devi - Respect Award

• Sam Wilson Hall - Compassion Award

• Annabel Bottrill - Compassion Award

• Elizabeth (Betty) Wiseford - Community Nurse Award

• Jaswinder Kaur - Health Care Assistant Award

• Priya Kailey - Theatre/Interventional Radiology Nurse Award

• Mae Yee Check - Acute Midwife of the Year

colleagues of the impact that nurses and midwives have on our patients.

She added: “As nurses and midwives, we are often the first face patients see and the last voice they hear. The compassion we show, the respect we give, the integrity we uphold, and the excellence we strive for through being ambitious – these are all reflections of our values in action.

“When we live our Trust Values, we create a culture of safety, kindness, and accountability. We build trust with those we serve. We support one another in times of challenge and change. And we ensure that care is not only clinically effective but deeply human.”

Amanda Hemmings (left) shares the poem with Sandra Humphries

Trust team (left to right): Consultant urologists Fahd Khan and Ananda Dhanasekaran with other members of the team who deliver HoLEP surgery

University to investigate impact of pain medication

A new university study in Birmingham will explore chronic pain prescribing in older adults across the UK, with the aim of understanding whether current treatments and processes meet their needs.

The HOPE-AO: Helping to Optimise Pain control in the elderly experiencing analgesic overprescribing project is being supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and includes Aston University’s Professor Ian Maidment.

It will investigate whether certain groups of the older population are more likely to have analgesic (pain relief) medication overprescribed to them, and any side effects or other harms these medications can pose if taken for long periods.

‘From my experience in community pharmacy, the use of pain medicines is very common in older people’

It aims to identify alternative treatment solutions to reduce the use of unnecessary pain medicines, working with patients to develop a list of acceptable strategies that could be tested and implemented across the UK.

Around four million older people across the UK live with varying degrees of chronic pain as a result of conditions including arthritis, diabetes or frailty.

While some people benefit from pain relief medicines, many end up receiving long-term repeated prescriptions – for medications ranging from paracetamol and ibuprofen to opioids and

antidepressants – for weeks, months or years at a time.

The project is being led by researchers from the University of Plymouth, working with colleagues at the University of Exeter, Aston University, University of Aberdeen and the North East London Foundation NHS Trust. It is funded through a programme development grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Professor Maidment, from Aston Pharmacy School, said: “From my experience in community pharmacy, the use of pain medicines is very common in older people. We need to work with older people to understand how we can help older people to use other potentially safer approaches.”

Green light for nursing course

Aston Medical School’s new mental health nursing programme, BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Registered Nurse Mental Health Nursing), has been formally approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the governing body for the profession.

The approval from the NMC signifies that the programme has met the required national standards for mental health nursing. In writing and designing the programme, Aston University teaching fellow and programme lead Sam Chapman, alongside senior teaching fellow and programme lead Dr Jayne Murphy, worked with Aston University’s clinical practice partners, as well as with people who have accessed mental health services

Sam Chapman, teaching fellow in nursing (mental health), said: “We have designed the course to support students’ knowledge and skills so they can go on to be the mental health nurses that people need.”

Life sciences consultancy

Cambridge Healthcare Research has chosen Birmingham as the location for its new Research Centre of Excellence, where it plans to create up to 40 research analyst roles by the end of 2025.

The new facility at The Lewis Building in Birmingham’s city centre was officially opened by Councillor John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council.

The centre will focus on delivering strategic research projects for a range of UK and international clients operating within the life sciences sector.

The facility represents the consultancy’s first office outside of Cambridge and London, reinforcing the West Midlands’ growing reputation as a diverse and dynamic life sciences investment hub.

The region will seek to capitalise on the growth potential of its life sciences cluster through its flagship Investment Zone.

The 210-hectare Birmingham Knowledge Quarter [B-KQ] will build on the region’s globally recognised strengths in diagnostics, digital and data-driven healthcare, providing a centre of excellence for advanced manufacturing aligned to health and life sciences.

Matteo Perucchini, CEO at

Village halls tap into expertise Birmingham selected for new research centre

Cambridge Healthcare Research, said: “Combining a deep STEM talent pool, unrivalled connectivity and affordable office space, Birmingham ticked all our boxes when it came to selecting a location for our first office outside of the traditional life sciences “golden triangle”.

“We’re looking forward to contributing to the rise of the West Midlands’ life sciences ecosystem while delivering exceptional

Hundreds of village halls in rural Britain are being given a rallying call to ensure they remain relevant.

The traditional multi-use halls have seen bookings for everything from pantomimes to birthday parties drop in recent years, though the actual number of halls has remained stable at more than 10,000.

Now they are seeking expert help to market themselves to a new generation and remain relevant in a high-tech world and help them recruit the next generation of volunteers.

‘The halls have proven time and again how robust they are with many having been operating for more than 100 years’

Pertemps Network Group, one of the UK’s largest recruitment specialists, is supporting more than 400 halls across Warwickshire, hosting a free session with its experts to advise local volunteers on how to make the most of their social media presence to raise interest and bolster bookings.

Andy Blundell, social media manager at the Meridenbased business, said: “Village halls are an incredible resource across the UK but they can sometimes struggle in a noisy digital age to make themselves heard. Our

research projects for our clients from our new Birmingham base.”

The West Midlands Growth Company– the region’s official investment promotion agency –supported the investment.

Councillor John Cotton, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “It’s brilliant to be welcoming another new and enterprising company to our city, which will help boost the economy and create jobs for local people.”

“Incredible resource”: A typical village hall in Warwickshire

support is all about empowering them and highlighting tools they can use to raise their online profiles.”

Chris Cowcher, chief executive officer of Warwickshire Rural Community Council (WRCC), said: “The halls have proven time and again how robust they are with many having been operating for more than 100 years. Volunteers are under more and more pressure. The Pertemps hints and tips will likely have helped to reduce the burden on this already incredibly busy pool of people by directing them to simple ways to improve the work they are doing.”

Film and TV expo to return

The Birmingham Film & TV Market (BFTM) is set to return on 24-27 June, with a larger and more ambitious programme of events.

The fourth edition of the industry EXPO combines seminars, workshops, networking, pitching and job opportunities.

The BFTM EXPO builds on the success of the highly curated BFTM pitch event.

The annual BFTM pitch event, taking place on 27 June, links emerging producers and filmmakers with top executives from some of the UK’s leading film and TV investors and distributors. Limited to fifty filmmakers, each team receives one-to-one meetings with senior representatives.

Previous editions have featured Channel 4, Independent Entertainment, ITV, Imagine Entertainment, Kaleidoscope Film Distribution, Kudos Knight, Lionsgate, Paramount+, Sky Original Film, STUDIOCANAL and Zero Gravity Management.

‘The BFTM is fast becoming one of this country’s leading events for talented filmmakers and commissioners’

In addition to the pitch event, the BFTM EXPO has a Pitching and Producing Day on 24 June; a Writers Day on 25 June; and a Job Fair on 26 June.

This year’s BFTM is being held at the Grade II listed Birmingham Council House.

Award winning actor and director Adrian Lester CBE returns as BFTM Ambassador. He said: “The BFTM is fast becoming one of this country’s leading events for talented filmmakers and commissioners to come together to develop exciting projects.

“Birmingham continues to evolve back into a hub for TV & film production and the BFTM is a vital part of its future.”

Pitches from the previous editions of the BFTM have led to acquisitions, and production and distribution deals including Elliot and Zander Weaver’s three-feature deal with Independent Entertainment and Lowkey Film, set to film in Birmingham at Steven Knight’s Digbeth Loc Studios.

City ticked all boxes: John Cotton (left) and Matteo Perucchini

Where do you fancy?

Set in the charming village of Earlswood, The Bull’s Head – part of Thwaites – provides a perfect culinary experience. The property has been transformed with a stylish new bar, a large space ideal for private dining for anniversaries, birthdays and other special milestones, or corporate gettogethers. A new restaurant area is perfect for guests calling in for a quick pint of Thwaites’ cask ales or those looking to sample The Bull’s Heads new menu. Four-legged friends are also more than welcome to join diners in the bar area; however, these tables cannot be booked in advance.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner…

Food and drink

The Bull’s Head is a four-star inn offering guests traditional pub classics with a Mediterraneaninspired twist. Designed by head chef Daniel Davies, each menu features seasonal produce and vibrant flavours. Whether it’s a big family celebration, or a romantic meal for two, the menu strives to suit all taste buds.

Breakfast

It’s said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, which is why The Bull’s Head offers a menu packed with all the classics, as well as a few surprise dishes – from light bites such as granola served with Greek yogurt, raspberries and honey to a classic full English breakfast. Diners looking for a sweet start to the day can try the Scotch pancakes accompanied with maple syrup and candied walnuts?

Lunch

The Bull’s Head offers diners a lunch menu packed with artisanal sandwiches. Dishes include the brie

and roast red pepper flatbread, chipotle pulled pork burrito and the chimichurri glazed steak focaccia.

Dinner

The inn’s highly-curated main menu offers a mix of traditional classics with a twist in addition to a monthly, seasonal specials menu. Using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, signature dishes include goat's cheese, onion and spinach risotto, braised beef and thwaites ale pie, pan-fried seabass as well as the Thai-style noodle salad. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

The property does have gluten on the premises; therefore, it can only serve non-gluten containing ingredients to guests with dietary requirements. The Bull’s Head can adapt a wide variety of its dishes to suit individual needs.

Wines

The Bull’s Head offers guests a varied wine list, from chardonnays and sauvignon blancs to bold chateauneuf du pape and Sancerre Domaine Michel Girard. Prices start at £5.40 for a 175ml glass and £21 for a bottle.

Business facilities

While The Bull’s Head does not have a dedicated business area, guests are invited to work from the restaurant and charging points are available throughout. They can also take advantage of the inn’s dedicated lunch menu.

Private dining facilities

The Bull’s Head offers a grand private dining area and can cater for up to 10 people. There is a £25

The Bull’s Head

Address: The Bull’s Head, 7 Limekiln Lane, Earlswood, Solihull B94 6BU

Contact:

T: 01564 700368

E: relax@bullsheadearlswood.co.uk

W: www.bullsheadearlswood.co.uk

General manager: Lucy Burrows

Head chef: Daniel Davies

Opening hours: Bar Opening Hours: 8:30am – 11pm

Breakfast Opening Hours: 9:30 am -11:15am

Restaurant Opening Hours

(Mon-Thurs): 12pm-9pm

Restaurant Opening Hours

(Fri/Sat): 12pm-9.30pm

Restaurant Opening Hours (Sun): 12pm-8pm

hire charge and guests can dine from the a la carte menu. For larger gatherings, the barn area is the perfect setting for special occasions and available to hire for £150 per evening with up to 120 guests. The al fresco area centres around an outside bar, with cosy nooks, a striking fire and heater for year-round drinking and dining. Table tennis and interactive games help keep little ones entertained. A new buffet offering and a trendy donut wall is also available.

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Today’s school leavers face challenging future

The challenging workplace environment facing today’s school-leavers was outlined at the launch of the Q1 Quarterly Business Report issued by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce in partnership with Birmingham City University.

Guests at the event at the Curzon Building at BCU heard that training budgets were often being trimmed while many youngsters had never experienced work environments such as factories or offices.

Julie Stonall, director of careers and employability at BCU, told delegates: “They may have never set foot in an office or a factory, they

Cost pressures still ‘sky high’

The Bank of England cut interest rates to 4.25 per cent – the lowest since May 2023. But business leaders have warned that firms are still seeking a “platform of stability” due to sky-high cost pressures and a challenging domestic and global environment.

Raj Kandola, director of external affairs at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Our latest Quarterly Business Report revealed that cost pressures remain sky high for many businesses and despite the announcements on a framework trade agreement between ourselves and the US, the potential impact of an escalating global trade war weighs heavily on those firms that currently trade overseas.”

have been through education, education, education. They are juggling more than just education on the back of a pandemic which seriously affected their development.”

She said the BCU’s number one priority for students was the “talent for tomorrow”. “We are trying to ensure graduates have the ability and the confidence to excel where their talents take them. As a university we are talking about future-proofing for graduates –these are for jobs that do not currently exist – as technology is changing before our very eyes.”

Julie said the top skills in demand from employers were “a combination of human and

technological skills. “There is stuff that we can do that AI can never replace. We cannot be replaced, we have great human skills.”

Mahfia Watkinson, policy manager (insights) at West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “Too many people are leaving school without the skills that you need to invest in your businesses.

“One of the things that employers tell us is that the skills system is difficult to navigate, it is confusing, it is not employerfriendly. We are working with universities and further education providers to improve access to skills provision that you need for your workforces.”

Roundtable for award winners and sponsors

An exclusive roundtable hosted by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) brought together winners and sponsors from the region’s biggest business awards.

Businesses including the 2025 Greater Birmingham Business of the Year The Listening Centre and GBCC Awards headline sponsor Birmingham City University, attended the event, hosted by director of external affairs Raj Kandola.

It provided winners and sponsors with an opportunity to discuss opportunities and challenges facing business, as well as a further opportunity to network as a result of being involved in this year’s awards.

Attendees were Sharon McCormick (The Listening Centre), Lisa Davies and Julie Stonall (Birmingham City University), Adam Stockton (Elonex RM), Paul Berrow (Translift), Shaila Pervez and Surwat Sohail (Roshni), Richard Metcalfe (Edgbaston Park Hotel) and Rachel Cranny (B:Music).

Package to aid business growth

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker has announced a new multi-million-pound support package to help businesses expand and take on more staff.

The package will include up to £15m of direct grants to support growth and decarbonisation alongside thousands of hours of free, hands-on expert advice delivered through Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM).

The money has helped various sectors, including manufacturing, technology and high street businesses, expand their premises, increase their workforce, and buy new hi-tech equipment.

Mr Parker said: “I’ve backed the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of thousands of businesses to help them grow, take on more staff, and bring life back to our high streets.

"And this year, we’re going even further – with another £15m of funding and more of the practical support they need to succeed. That means more opportunities for local people to get good jobs and careers that make a difference to their lives.”

Find out more go to: businessgrowthwestmidlands. org.uk

Raj said: “It was great to welcome back a number of our award-winners and sponsors from this year’s awards.

“The GBCC Awards are the biggest celebration of all things business in this region.

“Events like this roundtable provide businesses with an opportunity to share their successes and challenges with us, in addition to the profile boost they received before and on the night of the awards.”

The GBCC Awards will return in 2026 at the ICC in Birmingham, with 11 new categories to offer more firms a chance to be recognised.

For more information on sponsorship and advertising opportunities, contact head of commercial development David Woakes on d.woakes@birmingham-chamber.com

Around the table: Delegates at the Chamber’s exclusive event

Job worries (left to right): Stuart Murty, Mahfia Watkinson, Julie Stonall, Henrietta Brealey and Raj Kandola

Business stars put brands in spotlight

A panel of inspiring entrepreneurs from the Asian business community will explore the power of resilience and the challenges behind creating a brand at the upcoming Eid Business Event.

The event, organised by the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), will take place on Tuesday, 10 June from 6pm onwards at the National Conference Centre.

Speakers include Yousif Aslam, co-founder and managing director of Heavenly Desserts, Saima Duhare from It’s Halal, and Allia Khan, founder of Mansion 28.

It will be hosted by ABCC honorary chair Omar Rashid.

Heavenly Desserts is one of the UK’s leading premium dessert brands with an expanding international footprint. Over the past 18 years, Yousif Aslam has helped scale the business from a single store into a globally recognised franchise with over 60 locations across the UK, Canada, Pakistan and soon in India and Germany.

Saima Duhare launched Halal Fresh with a vision to bring healthy, nutritious halal meal kits to her community. But she was legally pursued by HelloFresh, leading to a 2.5-year legal battle that she ultimately lost on paper. Using her experience, she later found It’s Halal - a platform dedicated to clean, tayyab eating, rooted in Islamic principles and community care.

Allia Khan is a dynamic legal professional and entrepreneur with a proven track record of leadership in the in-house legal sector. She is also the founder of Mansion 28, a luxury fashion brand that redefines boldness and elegance through its striking collections.

ABCC director Anjum Khan said: “Resilience and building a strong brand are at the heart of any successful business. This event will highlight how to start developing these traits through a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs who have gone over and abovethey represent a powerful voice within the Asian Business community. It’s an event that you don’t want to miss.”

This is a free to attend event for members of the ABCC where a maximum of two delegates is allowed per company.

Tickets cost £30 plus VAT for members of GBCC and £15 plus VAT for Future Faces members. The event is also open to public at a cost of £60 plus VAT.

Future Faces name sustainability sponsor

Future Faces, the young professionals’ arm of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, has named global logistics company WM International as a category sponsor of the Young Professional of the Year Awards 2025.

The company, whose services include EU road freight, international sea and air freight and customs clearance, will be supporting the Sustainability and ESG category.

Katrina Fleet, a Future Faces member and marketing specialist at WM International, said: “As a company we decided to sponsor the Sustainability and ESG category for the awards as sustainability is one of our biggest company values/focuses.

“We as a company aim to work with global partners who use environmentally friendly fleets and use innovative technologies to help us reduce our carbon footprint. It is therefore an honour to sponsor this award and we wish all nominees the best of luck.

The awards, taking place at the ICC Birmingham on Friday 17 October, will celebrate the talent and successes of young professionals across Greater Birmingham.

This year also marks 25 years of BYPY, the Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards, dating back to when the awards were first launched under the BPS Network, which later merged with Birmingham Future to create the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards.

Find more information on the awards, such as sponsorship opportunities and ticket prices, go to greaterbirminghamchambers.com

• Turn to pages 50 and 51 for more Future faces news.

Backing sustainability: Michal Gierat, managing director at WM International, and Katrina Fleet

Speaker: Allia Khan

New consultation on e-scooters welcomed

A serious injury specialist has welcomed the Government’s plans to conduct a new evaluation of escooter trials across the UK.

Although results aren’t expected until May 2026, Philip Edwards, of national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, who have offices in Birmingham, says a new evaluation is needed and greater legislation should be put in place for the use of the electric vehicles.

An initial consultation was held in 2021, with results published in 2022 but no further action was taken by the previous Government.

With 47 deaths since 2019 and an estimated 1.2 million e-scooters being illegally used, transport minister Lord Hendy has indicated that evidence collected in the new assessment will be used to inform future legislation.

Mr Edwards, a partner and serious injury claims specialist, said: “E-scooter use is great on all sorts of levels, not least the benefits to the environment – and use of them should be encouraged, but in a responsible way. It just needs to be safe and there must be proper compensation for the victims of irresponsible users.

“We need proper regulation of the types of scooters permitted, their power, and those that can legally drive

Blue plaques for Baskerville

Printing pioneer John Baskerville has been immortalised with a blue plaque in Birmingham - two and a half centuries after his death.

Unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham and bestselling author and journalist, Simon Garfield, the plaque celebrates Baskerville’s legacy as a revolutionary in print and design.

“We should be celebrating everything that's great in Birmingham, especially the people,” said the Lord Mayor, Councillor Ken Wood.

“This blue plaque will bring Baskerville to the attention of the general public and will make people think about him and his contribution.”

The tribute is born out of a ground-breaking research project - Small Performances: Baskerville Punches - led by Birmingham City University (BCU), the University of Cambridge and Cambridge University Library.

Now in its second year, the project explores Baskerville’s innovative type design and its lasting influence - from 18thcentury presses to billions of digital screens today.

them and we need proper resources for enforcement of the regulations – it is important that dangerous scooters or drivers are actually kept off the road.

“There’s also the thorny issue of insurance or other schemes for compensation. Accidents will happen and no innocent, seriously injured victim of an accident involving an e-scooter should be left without the ability to obtain compensation for their losses and to maximise their rehabilitation and recovery.

“Ministers have also, rightly, raised concerns over the risk of battery fires on e-scooters and e-bikes. With new legislation not looking likely until 2026/2027 this is the first step in a long process to put more safety measures in place.”

Philip Edwards has been representing clients after life-changing injuries or the loss of a loved one for more than two decades.

Plans made to bring buses back under public control

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker has vowed to revolutionise the region’s buses after giving the green light to proposals that will bring the network back under public control for the first time in almost 40 years.

The landmark decision, signed by the mayor after the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) board meeting, has kickstarted the transition process towards franchised bus services – replacing

the current private operator-led network.

The first public controlled services, which are likely to include a non-stop Sprint service from Walsall to Solihull via Birmingham city centre, are expected to start rolling out in late 2027, with the whole process finished during 2029.

The mayor said: “The public have been clear - they want a better bus service under public control, and I’ve heard them loud and clear. I

promised to take back control of our buses - and today’s decision shows we’re delivering on that promise.” Under franchising, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the WMCA, will set the fares, timetables and routes of bus services and award a series of contracts to private bus operators to run them.

• For more business travel news –turn to page 62.

Proper regulation: Philip Edwards

Delivering: Mayor Richard Parker

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Vision: A computer-generated image of the hospital’s new entrance

Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH) has unveiled plans for a 2,200-litre aquarium to be housed in its new main entrance.

The charity’s £3m It Starts Here Appeal to transform the front entrance has reached the £2.5m milestone, paving the way for it to start to share its exciting vision for the interior.

BCH’s charity launched the appeal in summer last year. Last updated nearly three decades ago, the hospital’s existing main entrance is regarded as cramped, dull and unwelcoming, not reflecting the world-class care that takes place beyond it.

The entrance will become the new heart of the hospital,

BCRS Business Loans backs Kids’ Village Plans for aquarium revealed

transforming the existing walkway into a welcoming, child-friendly, open and bright community space which reduces the anxiety of patients and reflects the needs of everyone who uses it.

‘We’ve been blown away by the support our It Starts Here Appeal has received so far’

With £500,000 left to raise, the hospital project team has been busy working on plans for the interior design. It has proposed a number of themed areas for the entrance based on the natural

world, including mountains, safari, rainforest and deep sea.

At the centre of the deep-sea area will sit the 2,200-litre aquarium. This impressive 4m x 2.2m tank will be filled with approximately 61 fish species and 300 in total.

The aquarium is designed to create a calming effect and provides the opportunity for social interaction with other children and families.

Mark Brider, CEO of BCH charity, said: “We’ve been blown away by the support our It Starts Here Appeal has received so far, which has helped us reach the brilliant milestone of £2.5m raised. Our incredible vision for our front

entrance will soon become a reality.”

This money raised so far includes a contribution of almost £750,000 from the charity’s visionary network of Changemakers – made up of some of the region’s top business leaders and companies. It also includes more than £200,000 raised by supporters from the local business community who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and a six-figure legacy gift from the late Margaret Hilda Jones, whose teenage son was treated at the hospital after a road traffic accident before sadly passing away.

To find out more about the It Starts Here Appeal, or to donate, visit bch.org.uk/it-starts-here.

Kids’ Village, a holiday village providing a break for children with critical illnesses and their families as their charity of the year, is to be backed by BCRS Business Loans.

Kids’ Village, located in Wychnor, near Lichfield in Staffordshire will be the UK’s first purpose-built holiday village providing respite support for children and their families living with critical illness.

The charity received planning permission for their proposed site in Wychnor in 2022, and they are now working tirelessly to raise £5m to

transform their vision of a memorable retreat for families into reality.

The BCRS team will take part in a wide range of fundraising activities throughout the year, from sponsored challenges to team volunteering days, all aimed at helping Kids' Village move closer to building a place where families can make magical memories away from the pressures of hospital appointments and treatments.

BCRS Business Loans chief executive Stephen Deakin said: “We are pleased to support Kids’ Village and hope that our fundraising efforts can

help them move closer to achieving their vision.”

Kids’ Village fundraising executive Amy Jacklin added: “We’re thrilled to be chosen by BCRS Business Loans as their Charity of the Year. They’re an organisation that do so much in the local community and we’re looking forward to working with them. Their support will make a real difference as we work towards building Kids’ Village.”

BCRS Business Loans provides funding to businesses that are struggling to access finance from traditional lenders.

How to improve positive impact

Award-winning UK bank Unity Trust has launched a pioneering initiative to help customers increase their social impact and measure it more effectively.

Through a series of video tutorials, workshops and accessible toolkits, Unity will support organisations to measure the positive social, economic and environmental impacts they create for communities.

The “Unity Impact Toolkit” is the result of extensive customer feedback, with customers telling Unity they would welcome guidance on how they can improve and prove their positive impact.

Joshua Meek, chief impact officer at Unity Trust Bank, said: “We’re a customer-driven bank with a mission to contribute to a better society. Supporting customers to achieve their goals and create more impact is central to our mission.

“Last year over 1,000 customers told us that a key service they would like from Unity was help in measuring their social impact. Using lessons from our work with the pioneering think tank, NPC (New Philanthropy Capital), the resources and template provided in this new toolkit aim to support our customers to do this.”

The first video explains how organisations can develop a clear “theory of change”. By writing down and articulating the steps and causal pathways between their actions to the desired impact, organisations can better plan, implement and measure their social impact.

Joshua continued: “In the coming months, our Unity Impact Toolkit (UIT) resources will provide practical insights and strategies for measuring and managing positive impact.

“Our goal is to equip organisations with the knowledge and skills they need to make a meaningful difference and drive inclusive growth in their communities.

“We invite our customers, and any organisation who wants to strengthen their impact, to use the toolkit and tell us how to improve and expand it to support your impact goals. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this toolkit aims to support organisations to strengthen impact.”

FareShare Midlands forges new partnership

FareShare Midlands has been chosen as the new charity partner for SilverAGe Professionals, an organisation dedicated to leveraging the expertise of experienced professionals to support businesses and charities.

This partnership aims to tackle food insecurity and providing vital resources to those in need.

SilverAGe Professionals, founded by industry veterans Gary Pragnell and Adrian Davenport, specialises in connecting highly skilled professionals with organisations requiring expert guidance without the long-term commitment of full-time hires.

The company’s ethos of giving back to the community led them to select a charity partner, and after an extensive selection process, they chose FareShare Midlands due to its impactful work in

redistributing surplus food and supporting people in need. The partnership will involve SilverAGe Professionals providing pro-bono expertise, volunteering time and supporting key initiatives to revolutionise food redistribution in the region, helping countless individuals and community organisations access the resources they need.

Laura Spencer, head of commercial at FareShare Midlands, welcomed the partnership, stating: "We are thrilled that SilverAGe Professionals have selected us as their Charity Partner for 2025.

“Their expertise, commitment and passion for social impact align perfectly with our mission.”

In addition to their strategic support, the SilverAGe Professionals’ team will take part in volunteering initiatives

Launch of education centre

Young people facing disadvantage from Lea Hall and the surrounding areas will have a significantly enhanced opportunity to attend higher education, thanks to a new children’s education centre.

The new education facility, jointly-funded by education charity IntoUniversity, the University of Warwick and University College Birmingham, celebrated with an opening event at its centre at The Pump on Kitt’s Green Rd.

Attending the event were students aged 7-18 who are set to benefit from the centre for the next academic year and beyond, with some of them delivering speeches.

Professor Helen Poole, senior pro vice-chancellor at University College Birmingham, said: “We are proud to partner with IntoUniversity and the University of Warwick on this vital initiative.

“Our institution has always been committed to making education accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance. This new centre represents our shared vision of a city where every young

person can fulfil their potential through education.

“Birmingham’s communities are filled with talented young people who simply need the right support and guidance to thrive. By

providing academic mentoring and aspiration-building activities in East Birmingham, we’re removing obstacles that too often prevent bright minds from progressing to higher education.”

Caring for people in need (left to right): Adrian Davenport (SilverAGe), Simone Connolly (FareShare Midlands), Dawn Elsden (SilverAGe) and Gary Pragnell (SilverAGe)

Opening celebration: University College Birmingham senior pro-vice chancellor Helen Poole (back row, third from right) is pictured at the ribbon cutting ceremony with guests, centre staff, key speakers who use the centre, other students and Professor Stuart Croft, vice-chancellor and president, The University of Warwick (back row, far right)

Picture: Simon Bennett, University College Birmingham

Chamber Patrons

Greater Birmingham Chambers’ leading supporters

Charity completes signage project

Huge signage and branding at Multifleet Vehicle Management’s new Solihull headquarters has been installed by an organisation that supports people with mental health challenges, learning difficulties and disabilities.

The Solihull-based leasing company, which trades as runyourfleet, commissioned Better Signage to undertake the project, a social enterprise that is part of Better Pathways, a charity and trading company based in Digbeth.

A team of two full-time team members from Better Signage worked on the project at Cranbrook Way on Solihull Business Park, with assistance from charity volunteers on parts of the production process.

Together, they created 14 branded elements for the office’s interior walls, windows and doors, and five giant external signs with lighting, completing the work from initial survey and design to final installation in less than five weeks.

Steve Whitmarsh, chief executive of runyourfleet, said: “We are so impressed with the quality of the work by Better Pathways which will now help us to register our presence here at Solihull Business Park.

“The Better Signage team worked hard to meet all our specific demands and were really committed to making sure the result was a great job that works perfectly for us.”

Sue Roberts, chief executive of Better Pathways, said: “From the moment we met Steve at runyourfleet we knew we were working with a commercial customer that we could build a trusted relationship with.

“We are so pleased that Steve is as delighted as we are with the fabulous signs that now present the very best first impression of runyourfleet’s business.”

Partnership celebrates anniversary

A partnership between Chamber patrons Curium Solutions and University of Birmingham’s Business School has created opportunities for students to apply learning to real-life issues.

The agreement, which started in 2016, supports the next generation of students and researchers to develop insights into AI and robotics.

The partnership has now led to collaborative thought leadership and events with regional business leaders to discuss inclusive leadership and the role of diversity and disruptive technologies on effective leadership.

‘We are both Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) patrons and big advocates of this wonderful city’

Andy Dawson, co-founder of Curium Solutions, said: “We are super proud of our long-term collaborative partnership with the University of Birmingham.

“We are both Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) patrons and big advocates of this wonderful city and the opportunities that exist here. Here’s to our partnership’s tenth anniversary in 2026.”

It also created new opportunities for Curium to be part of the Birmingham Economic Review, a collaboration between the City Regional Economic

Contact: Raj Kandola T: 07815 952462

Development Institute (CityREDI) and the GBCC, and to develop a commercial relationship with the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) to support organisational development and executive coaching.

Andrew Miles, head of corporate relations at the Business School, said: “Only through engaging directly with businesses can we translate our research and teaching into action and embed responsible business practices into business as usual.

“Our partnership with Curium has been fruitful and as we look ahead to the next decade of collaboration, we cannot wait to discover what we can achieve together on key business issues linked to work time reduction and workplace inclusivity.”

New partner joins Pinsent Masons

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has hired corporate partner Rachel Soundy to join the firm’s Birmingham office.

Rachel joins Pinsent Masons from Bevan Brittan where she led their health and education M&A practice. During the past four years, she played an instrumental role in growing Bevan Brittan’s independent health and social care and education M&A work.

Before Bevan Brittan, she spent 13 years at in the corporate team at Eversheds Sutherland.

Her practice focuses on M&A in the independent health and social care and higher education sectors. In higher education, Rachel has considerable experience advising private sector clients, investors, and public sector universities.

BCU leads the way in start-ups

Birmingham City University (BCU) is now the leading university in the West Midlands for student and graduate start-up creation, securing the 13th position nationally, according to the latest data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

Professor Hanifa Shah, pro vice-chancellor of research, enterprise, engagement and STEAM at BCU, said: "This accomplishment recognises our continued success in nurturing home-grown entrepreneurial talent by offering our students specialised pathways that support their ambitions, delivered through our STEAMhouse building.”

M&A focus: Rachel Soundy

Signs of the times: The runyourfleet branding

Proud: Andy Dawson

Uni seeks estate’s cooking talent

A Birmingham university believes there is a mine of cookery talent to be uncovered in Chelmsley Wood.

University College Birmingham (UCB) has identified the region and the surrounds as a hotbed of culinary talent and has confirmed plans to open a culinary school and informal eatery.

Located in the Chelmsley Wood shopping centre, the purpose-built culinary school will be offering free courses that have been created with people local to Chelmsley Wood and Smith’s Wood in mind.

Courses on offer will provide an introduction to working in the hospitality industry or starting down the path to becoming a professional chef.

UCB says it will suit those at the beginning of their careers or refresh their existing experience and skills. The Introduction to the Hospitality Industry (Certificate) is open to applications from 16-18 year olds. The Introduction to the Hospitality Industry (Award) is aimed at those aged 19 and over.

Adam Pickett, UCB College of Food interim head of department and chef lecturer, said: “We have exciting plans for the two units at Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre.

“Local adults and young people will have the chance to train, upskill and begin a career in the hospitality sector, right on their doorstep.”

Taught by expert lecturers, students of all ages will benefit from hands-on learning in

industry-standard kitchens where their creativity can really come to life.

Adam continued: “The students get unparalleled access to the sort of environment and equipment that professional chefs and hospitality staff work with every day.

“Forget about sitting in a classroom all day –these courses give you the theory and the knowledge, then we expect you to put that into practice pretty quickly.

“The distance into Birmingham city centre makes accessing this type of professional training and dining experience prohibitive for many people. Visitors to the shopping centre can do their errands and then enjoy the fabulous, affordable food on offer in the dining area too.”

Uni foodies: A CGI of the UCB eatery

1813 Club and Premier Members

Greater Birmingham’s leading companies

Community fund launched

Long-distance train operator CrossCountry has announced that its Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF) to support community initiatives across the CrossCountry network is now open for applications.

The refreshed grant scheme will open at intervals throughout the year – with the summer application period window open from Tuesday 6 May and Friday 6 June.

A total of £100,000 has been made available throughout the year for community projects that deliver tangible social and environmental benefits.

Candice Dos Santos Hodgson, Project Manager at CrossCountry, said: “We’re excited to launch the next Customer and Communities Improvement Fund and can’t wait to see what applications come in from communities across the country.”

Premier Membership

Contact: Gary Birch T: 0121 274 3236

Education charity appoints new trustees

Two leading and experienced educationalists have been appointed to the board of trustees at Birmingham-based charity Services For Education.

The appointments bring the number of trustees at the charity to nine. The appointments are part of a strategy to further broaden the trustee board’s range of expertise.

Eluned Mansell is programme lead for Oak National Academy, the independent public body funded by the Department for Education, where she supports the development of free curriculum resources for schools.

Eluned has more than 20 years’ experience in the education sector, specialising in the development and delivery of national and international programmes, such as Teach First’s Training Programme, the English national curriculum, and a performing arts collaboration between The Juilliard School and Nord Anglia Education.

Logistics firm lends support to Transaid

Birmingham-based Simpex Express and sister company

Samphire Cargo have thrown their support behind Transaid, joining the charity’s nationwide campaign to raise awareness and drive support across the transport and logistics sector.

With this year’s theme, Driving Change Together – Promoting Transaid, the goal is to highlight the charity’s life-saving work and encourage more people in the industry to get involved.

Transaid works across sub-Saharan Africa to improve road safety and access to healthcare through safe, sustainable transport solutions.

Founded by Save the Children, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and

Transport (CILT), and its Patron, HRH

The Princess Royal, Transaid has over 25 years of experience working with communities, partners, and governments to address transport challenges across sub-Saharan Africa.

Throughout May, Simpex and Samphire spread the word internally across their teams and externally to their wider network, encouraging colleagues, customers, and industry partners to get involved.

“We’re proud to support Transaid and play a part in promoting the important work they do,” said Simon Beechener, managing director at Simpex Express. “As a company working in logistics every day, we recognise how vital safe and reliable transport is.”

Oliver Wilson is head teacher at Woodhouse Primary Academy in Quinton, Birmingham – a highly inclusive school where he is responsible for 450 children and 80 staff positions. A graduate of King’s College London in 2002, completing his PGCE at the University of Birmingham in 2004, Oliver is also an amateur brass musician and conductor and is a trustee for two

musical charities – Langley Band and Wychavon Festival of Brass. Chief executive of Services for Education Sharon Bell said: “Eluned and Oliver have more than 40 years’ combined experience in education and have hands-on practical experience of the training needs of schools and teachers and the important role that music can play in a child’s development and learning.”

Royal greeting: Stacy Woodall (Simpex commercial manager), Timi Smith-Watson (Samphire) and Linsey Stanley (Simpex Leeds) meet the Princess Royal

CBSO singer: Eluned Mansell Head teacher: Oliver Wilson

Aston Villa Foundation celebrates local heroes

The Aston Villa Foundation celebrated the work of 10 individuals through the Benjamin Zephaniah Localism Awards.

The awards connect to the “supporting” pillar of the foundation’s strategic function, exploring how it can play a role in empowering and becoming an advocate for micro-community and charitable organisations within Birmingham.

Coinciding with Benjamin Zephaniah Day, the awards honour the life and legacy of the legendary writer and poet, casting a spotlight on those who have embodied “localism” in their community. The 10 are highlighted here:

Through his initiative “Why Not I,” Kofi Josephs, the Birminghamborn British basketball player and keynote speaker, integrates mental well-being education into athletic training, emphasising the development of mental resilience alongside physical skill.

He also painted a vibrant mural on the Summerfield Park basketball court, symbolising Birmingham’s spirit and inspiring local youth to engage in community activities.

Growing up in Aston, Darnish Amraz MBE was influenced by serious violence and anti-social behaviour. He started working with thousands of young people at risk of involvement in serious violence, changing their attitudes by building relationships and supporting them into further opportunities.

Through “Transformation for Change”, Jadieal Millwood developed a mentoring and youth outreach framework, providing over 2,000 young people with access to trusted adult mentors.

Anwar Khattak and Waheed Ayoob have served their community for the last 25 years with Birmingham Youth Sport Academy. They are active within the communities around Villa Park, connecting with partners, breaking down barriers and seeing local people into employment or further education.

‘Coinciding with Benjamin Zephaniah Day, the awards honour the life and legacy of the legendary writer and poet’

Through sports and art workshops, Leon Moses has made impact reducing knife-related incidents, fostering a culture of positivity, reliability, and safety, ensuring that every young person feels supported and valued.

Keith Shayaam-Smith is described as a positive role model for local black creatives and social entrepreneurs. He is nominated for the award for his contributions to the Legacy Centre of Excellence in Newtown, where both creatives

Carmen joins global group

Pertemps Network Group chair Carmen Watson has been inducted into an exclusive international group of experts recognising her lifelong dedication to promoting learning and development.

Being presented with a Fellowship to the City and Guilds London Institute is the highest honour the worldrenowned skills organisation can bestow.

Carmen, who has been with Meriden-based Pertemps since 1976, was awarded the honour by the Princess Royal at a ceremony at Goldsmiths Hall, in London.

It is conferred on individuals who have made a significant contribution in their field through practical application of technical education and skills development.

There are fewer than 500 fellows worldwide.

and entrepreneurs can expand and develop their skills to thrive in competitive markets.

17-year-old Jacob volunteers at The Good Food Club and Community Café, displaying empathy, kindness and care to others. Jacob understands the importance of community for human connection and establishing safe spaces.

Toqueer Quyyam is a climate and social justice campaigner, passionate about championing for those from ethnic minorities to talk more openly about climate change, whilst also looking for ways to overcome barriers to accessing the countryside and green spaces.

Amran Ellahi created a supportive, inclusive, and thriving environment for all volunteering at The HeArt Centre, a local voluntary community project which provides a stimulating environment to educate and bring people of different cultures & faiths together, learning and exchange for all.

Nine-year-old Aryan is a person with autism who is non-speaking, has inspired his community to be more inclusive of children with SEN needs. With his father, he attends the Foundation’s SEND Youth Club every Friday at King Edwards VI Aston School and has helped campaign for children with further needs to receive free school breakfasts, as well as making the community a safer place for children.

Carmen, who attended the ceremony with daughter Rebecca and Pertemps people development director Andy Long, said: “This is a huge honour to be inducted to such an elite group of learning and development professionals.

“Of course, the hard work of all those I have worked with over the years has been a massive contributing factor to this, so I would just like to thank my colleagues and encourage everyone to keep doing what you are doing in the learning and development space.

“Our people are, and will always remain, our greatest asset.”

Huge honour: Carmen Watson with her award at Goldsmiths Hall

Community champions: The Aston Villa Foundation celebrates localism

International Trade

Businesses need talent pipeline

Business leaders in Greater Birmingham warned that businesses cannot afford to lose access to the international talent pipeline.

This followed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement of an overhaul of the legal immigration system.

The 82-page document outlining the proposed changes also includes the creation of a Labour Market Evidence Group to use data to make decisions about the state of the jobs market, an increase to the minimum salary requirement for skilled workers at graduate level and new requirements for educational institutions to recruit international students.

GBCC warned the proposals could place an additional burden on firms who are already struggling to fill vacancies.

Raj Kandola (pictured), acting joint CEO, said: “Many businesses only turn to the immigration system when every other option has been exhausted — yet the further rise in fees to use what is already a hugely expensive immigration system will place additional burdens on firms who need to fill urgent vacancies.

“This comes at a time when businesses are already facing mounting cost pressures. For smaller firms in particular, the burden is becoming unsustainable.”

US trade deal provides relief for region’s firms

A trade deal between the UK and United States will provide welcome relief for businesses in the West Midlands, business leaders said.

Among the most significant elements of the deal were a reduction on import taxes on cars and car parts coming into the US –from 25 per cent to 10 per cent.

Cars are the biggest import to the US – worth around £9bn last year.

Emily Stubbs, head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), said: “This deal will come as a huge sigh of relief for many businesses – particularly here in the West Midlands.

“Among the biggest wins are the reduction in tariffs on our automotive exports, as well as the removal of levies on steel and aluminium.

“The deal provides much-needed certainty at a time when businesses are operating in a challenging environment. But this must not be the end of the process – the government must continue to push for free and fair trade across all economic sectors and that tariffs are a lose-lose position.”

Janie Frampton, president of the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce, said:

“Following on from the India trade deal, the government should be congratulated on what it has achieved.

“There is a high-level of codependency in our economic relationship with the United States, and it is in both our interests to continue building upon those strong

foundations which have developed over decades.”

Steve Rigby, co-CEO of Rigby Group said: “This deal moves us out of the red zone - it comes just in time for the West Midlands economy and the UK’s car industry and reflects the government’s smart strategy in negotiations over recent months.”

...as EU ‘reset’ move is welcomed

The “reset” deal between the UK and the European Union is a welcome first step to improving trade terms, business leaders said.

Sir Keir Starmer said that Britain was “back on the world stage” after reaching an agreement with the EU.

The new deal – which comes five years after Brexit kicked in –includes fresh terms on eGates for British passport holders travelling through Europe, red tape on food and drink sales, fishing rights, defence, carbon tax, steel and youth mobility.

Some British foods that have

been prevented from being sold in the EU since Brexit will be allowed back in again, including burgers and sausages.

Emily Stubbs, head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), said: “The new deals announced so far are good first steps to improving relationships with our closest trading partners, but businesses will be anxiously looking for more measures that meaningfully reduce trading barriers. In particular, the British Chambers of Commerce have set out key asks, covering

workforce mobility – particularly youth mobility, raw materials and components, fiscal representative requirements, recognition of professional qualifications and linked emissions trading schemes.

"As highlighted by the Business Commission West Midlands, the UK's departure from the EU has led to additional cost pressures for many firms - particularly those citing skills shortages.

“Many also referenced ongoing supply chain disruption and practical difficulties in moving goods to Europe.”

Relief: Emily Stubbs

Global Chamber Patrons

Be resilient in wake of Trump

Businesses across the West Midlands have been urged to be more resilient in the face of uncertainties and seize new opportunities following the first 100 days of the second Trump Presidency.

A high-powered panel of regional business leaders gathered at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) HQ to turn the spotlight on Trump’s first 100 days following his return to power last November. It was sponsored by Samartin and Friends.

The controversial president came in for criticism from both panellists and audience members in the wake

of the recent imposition of tariffs which had initially sent global markets into freefall and the Trump attacks on the courts, media and other institutions.

Despite widespread criticism of the second Trump regime, panellists and audience members united in their call for firms to take advantage of new trading opportunities in the rapidly changing global environment.

Professor Deb Leary, CEO and founder of city firm Forensic Pathways and former GBCC president, said: “We have been through Brexit, we have been

through Covid, this is another round of change. It is also about opportunity – we have learnt over the years, we have got to be accustomed to change, we have got to be adaptable, we have got to be resilient.”

Andrea-Claire Edwards, director of global relations and research at the

University of Birmingham (UoB), said: “There is an opportunity for us to attract talented students who would otherwise be looking to go to the US and look to us to come and study here. That’s the same, I think, for other sectors with employees who might be looking to work outside the US.”

Trump in the spotlight (left to right): Lis Lewis-Jones, Deb Leary, Professor David Dunn, Jon Mobin, Paul Samartin, Andrea Edwards, and Janie Frampton

Lady Samurai album and film released

Birmingham martial artist, composer and filmmaker Fay Goodman has released a multi-award-winning documentary film along with its original soundtrack album.

The documentary Lady Samurai – The Final Cut follows the Asian Business Chamber member’s extraordinary journey in mastering the revered Japanese art of Iaido (the way of the Samurai sword).

Produced and directed by Fay’s film company Goodmedia Ltd, the film has won more than 30 international awards including best female director, best soundtrack and best inspirational story.

Fay’s path to achieving Nanadan (7th Dan) is, she says, not only a story of skill, but one of perseverance, loss, and rising again — a testament to resilience and the spirit of “bushido” (warrior way).

Beginning her passion for music at age six, Fay went on to compose at the piano before discovering the world of martial arts. These twin passions have become her “yin and yang” - a harmonious balance she uses to inspire well-being, humility and longevity.

The release coincides with Fay’s return to Japan to take part in the renowned Kyoto Taikai — an annual gathering of Japan’s top martial artists.

The event was held at the Butokuden Hall, a venerated martial arts venue originally built in 1899 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the Japanese capital’s move to Heian-kyo (Kyoto).

Fay said: “To perform at the Kyoto Taikai is more than just an honour - it is a moment where music, movement, and meaning converge. I participate not only as a martial artist but as an advocate of harmony, truth and compassion.”

The album features a blend of cinematic orchestration and Eastern influences, showcasing Fay’s signature style.

Fay is also launching a self-empowerment programme called Shefuay, integrating martial arts, self-protection, conflict resolution and emotional mastery.

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

Contact: Anjum Khan T: 0121 274 3255

Landmark UK-India trade deal welcomed

Business leaders welcomed the landmark trade deal between the UK and India – agreed after three years of talks.

The agreement will make it easier for UK firms to export products such as whisky and cars to India, as well as cutting taxes on India’s clothing and footwear exports.

Other products that will see UK tariffs fall include aerospace, electricals and medical devices, cosmetics, lamb, salmon, chocolates and biscuits.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the deal would boost the economy and “deliver for British people and business”.

Commerce, said: “A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the UK and India is a major boost to our respective economies and will be particularly welcome here in the West Midlands.

“India is one of our region’s biggest sources of investment – believed to be worth around £3.5bn and creating some 13,000 jobs over the past decade.

Last year, trade between the UK and India totalled £42.6bn and was already forecast to grow, but the government said the deal would boost that trade by an additional £25.5bn a year by 2040.

Raj Kandola (pictured), director of external affairs at Greater Birmingham Chambers of

“This agreement also provides relief to exporters.

“Products from Scotch whisky to clothing will benefit and this will give UK companies exporting to India a clear edge on increasing sales.

“There is great potential for future expansion with a trusted trading partner in the fastest growing region of the world’s economy.

“Alongside our strengths in services trade, particularly in business, travel and transport services, this agreement can offer real hope that our bilateral trade will grow strongly.”

£13m support for small firms

First Enterprise, a community development finance institution (CDFI) has disbursed £13m in loans during the financial year ending 31 March, 2025.

This achievement underscores the organisation’s commitment to supporting small businesses and fostering economic development across the Midlands region.

The firm, members of the ABCC, has provided the money in loans to 712 businesses, a 13 per cent increase from the previous year.

First Enterprise has also been able to create and safeguard 1,246 job positions, contributing

to the vitality of local communities. The firm has also allocated 36 per cent of total funding to women-led businesses and 29 per cent to minority-led businesses, promoting inclusive growth.

Hassan Ahmed, executive chairman of First Enterprise, said: "Reaching this £13m milestone is a significant achievement, but what truly drives us at First Enterprise is the impact we have on underserved communities across the Midlands.

“We are committed to empowering entrepreneurs who are driving change and innovation in communities that need it most.”

New documentary: Fay Goodman

Support for small businesses: (left to right): Michael Fletcher, head of credit; Caroline Everett, finance manager; Daniel Carrico - executive director; Danielle Davis, deputy director; Nabeel Akhter, senior investment manager; and Vimple Bhudia - senior credit controller

Chamber Awards now open

The Asian Business Chamber of Commerce annual awards will take place at the National Conference Centre in Solihull on 27 November, with businesses and individuals chasing success in eight award categories.

One business will also be crowned the overall ABCC Business of the Year in an event marking the 38th anniversary of the ABCC.

Award applications are open for the following categories:

• Outstanding Charity of the Year

• Outstanding Contribution to Diversity & Inclusion

• Outstanding Female Entrepreneur of the Year

• Outstanding Male Entrepreneur of the Year

• Outstanding Professional Services of the Year

• Outstanding Small Business of the Year

• Outstanding Start-Up Business of the Year

• Outstanding Young Achiever of the Year

Last year’s Business of the Year was GirlDreamer, a non-profit organisation that empowers young women of colour, whose founder Amna Akthar also collected the

Weightmans appointment to champion workplace DE&I

National law firm Weightmans has appointed its first diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) manager.

Liliana Corrieri joins the top 40 law firm after two years as a senior inclusion and diversity consultant at a London-based training and consultancy firm.

Before that she worked in healthcare regulation where she looked at both workplace culture and health inequalities, and at a global organisation where she focused on adapting principles and strategies to different cultural contexts.

She will work alongside Abhay Srivastava (head of ESG), Sue Gould (head of HR), the firm’s strand leads and DE&I champions, strengthening its strategic objectives and ensuring it becomes a leader in the DE&I space.

The appointment comes as Weightmans were awarded UK Top 10 Employer status for the 18th year in a row – reaching its highest ranking ever at number five.

Liliana said: “My passion and commitment for DE&I is deeply rooted in my upbringing, lived and learnt experience, and what I stand for.

“As an individual and a professional, I am continuously expanding my horizons and refining approaches, as this area of work becomes progressively more interdisciplinary and nuanced.

“DE&I is a journey for both individuals and organisations, and I am delighted to have joined Weightmans to support the firm in its strong commitment to people, opportunities and positive change.”

Outstanding Female Entrepreneur of the Year prize.

Anjum Khan, director of the ABCC, said: “We’re excited for this year’s awards which return to the National Conference Centre.

“The awards are free to enter and open to all businesses regardless of whether they are a member of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce or the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.”

For more information on award entries and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

Celebration: The award winners at last year’s event

Commitment: Liliana Corrieri

Former office assistant takes up new position

A long-serving employee at Enoch Evans Solicitors, who joined the firm as an office assistant, has been promoted to advanced paralegal.

Anna Weston’s (pictured) journey with Enoch Evans began when she joined in 2018 as an office assistant before becoming a paralegal in the firm’s Court of Protection Department three years later.

Her areas of expertise include making Court of Protection applications to appoint a deputy to look after the affairs of someone who lacks mental capacity, as well as advising parents who have adults or young children with learning difficulties to help with their finances if the parent is unable to do on their own.

Anna said: “This is a really proud moment for me and I’m really grateful to be supported by the partners of Enoch Evans for giving me an opportunity to progress my career in law surrounded by a wonderful team.”

Contact: Richard Brooks T: 07796 242029

‘Unusual role’ for former apprentice

Rugeley-based managed IT provider Techcare has promoted a former apprentice to what they describe as the “unusual role” of customer champion.

Having joined Techcare in December 2023, Daniel Hemans began an IT apprenticeship following a career in quantity surveying.

Dan completed his apprenticeship in February, 2025. The introduction of this new role supports Techcare’s customer-centric mission, with Dan’s main monthly responsibilities being reviews, customer check-ins and continuous improvement of customer experiences.

The firm say his is an unusual role for a managed IT provider — especially one with only 20 employees like Techcare — demonstrating their “unique” service.

Techcare announced its specialisation in the construction industry in March, which aligns with Daniel’s experience in quantity surveying.

Dan’s move into the customer champion role is part of a wider focus on strengthening customer relationships, improving proactive support, and driving digital change.

As customer champion, Dan acts as a bridge between clients and engineers, helping businesses get the most value from their technology and support packages.

Oliver Aleksejuk, managing director at Techcare, said: “We’re proud to be doing things differently.

Addfield Projects promotes founder member to director

A Staffordshire based specialist in advanced thermal treatment systems has promoted one of its founding members to director.

Harjot Bhullar has become the latest director of Addfield Projects Ltd. He joined the team nine years ago as a design engineer from university. Harjot has been a key member of the business, building up the original technical department.

He started with multi million pound high-capacity waste-to-energy facility for the NHS New Cross Hospital.

From there, Harjot oversaw several highly complex specialised waste management solutions under sister company Addfield Environmental Systems.

He said: “Becoming director of Addfield Projects is a proud personal milestone. I’ve had the opportunity to lead in design, project delivery, operations and now I’m able to help shape the future of Addfield Projects at a strategic level. My experience throughout the business gives me a unique perspective to reach new limits.

“Dan brings empathy and a real passion for helping customers succeed — exactly what this role is all about.

“Our goal isn’t just to fix problems, but to help our customers thrive.”

Dan added: “I know what it’s like to sit on the client side, so I’m focused on building strong partnerships and making IT support feel easy, consistent and human. Every business deserves to feel like their provider understands their world.”

“When I joined, we were a much smaller operation but was given the opportunity to grow the design team from the ground up and deliver our first large-scale projects.

“We now operate on a truly global scale, and I take pride in knowing that I’ve played a key role in building the systems and teams that got us here.

“Stepping into this director role isn’t just about continuing what we’ve built; but rather raising the bar.

“With the diverse expertise we have within our team, there is a real opportunity to expand into new sectors and industries. My vision is to make Addfield the go to name for bespoke environmental solutions around the world. It’s an exciting challenge and I’m ready to lead this next chapter.”

Making IT human: Daniel Hemans

Milestone: Harjot Bhullar (left) with managing director Derek Carr

Contact: Richard Brooks T: 07796 242029

Consultant is named vice-president at AGM

A new vice-president and three committee members have been appointed by Burton & District Chamber of Commerce.

The new committee members are Claire Reeves, Tim Mahoney and Scott Milligan, while Rob Page takes up the vice-president role.

Their appointments were confirmed at the Chamber’s annual meeting at Burton Rugby Club.

Claire Reeves is a counsellor and life and work coach operating under her own business, Claire Reeves Consulting.

Software and data expert Tim Mahoney is the owner of Eevolution, the Burton-based business that supports firms with solutions in data, AI and software development.

Scott Milligan, who comes from a PR, communications and marketing background, is a director for Burton Radio & Echo – which operates the Burton Radio community station and Burton Echo online newspaper.

Meanwhile, Rob Page – who provides financial advice and coaching through his company Rob Page Consulting – takes the reins as vice president, supporting Richard Wileman, who will serve one more year as president.

Rob has over 36 years’ experience in commercial leadership roles, including nine years as managing director of Swinkels Family Brewers.

Now running his own consultancy, he offers insight into financial matters, wealth management, leadership development, sustainable growth, and team transformation.

Richard Brooks, head of the Burton & District Chamber, said: “In my years with the Chamber, I’ve never seen such a big turnout for an AGM –it was brilliant to see so many people there, catching up and making new connections.

“A big thanks to Burton Rugby Club for being such a great venue, and to everyone who came along.”

Something for everyone: The Fest in full flow last year

Family-friendly festival to support people in recovery

Rehabilitation charities across Staffordshire have united to launch Recoverfest 2025, a free family-friendly fun day that brings together people in recovery, their families, support services, and the wider community. Recoverfest is a celebration uniting all recovery services across Staffordshire to honour and embrace the gifts of recovery. It will take place on Sunday, 3 August, at Uttoxeter Racecourse.

The festival has been organised by the BAC O’Connor Centre, Betterway Recovery, Chase Recovery, and MPFT Inclusion STaRS – who are all doing vital work in Staffordshire to support people on the journey away from addiction.

This is the third year of the festival, with last year’s Recoverfest drawing over 800 people.

The event will feature an array of activities designed to uplift, entertain, and inspire everyone in attendance.

The BAC O’Connor centre supports individuals from all over Staffordshire with inpatient detox and residential rehabilitation programmes, allowing people to face life without drugs or alcohol.

After completing the BAC programme, clients can move on to one of their recovery houses located in Burton on Trent, Cannock and Stoke on Trent to live semi independently in recovery. Residents also receive support to develop the necessary skills for independent living.

The Chamber also announced it will be supporting Burton-headquartered SARAC as its annual charity. SARAC offers free, independent and one-to-one emotional support, information and advice.

Richard added: “It was a real pleasure to officially welcome SARAC as our new Chamber Charity of the Year, and to hear from their interim chief executive Caroline Fotheringham. We’re looking forward to working with them.”

Chamber workshop to unlock opportunities

A workshop launched by the Burton & District Chamber of Commerce will explore how sustainable business practices can unlock commercial opportunities.

The event on 17 June at Mulberry Bistro, will feature Jo Yeaman, managing director of MIH Group, and Steve Manning, assistant director of property at Trent and Dove housing.

The discussions will focus on;

• How environmental impact and social values can help organisations access supply chains

• Communicating authentically about ESG without risking greenwashing

• The approaches other organisations have taken to create opportunities.

This workshop is part of the Business Growth Studio, a new programme for members of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce aimed at giving small businesses the essential tools to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

The Business Growth Studio features digital resources and practical workshops tailored for small businesses.

Head of Burton & District Chamber of Commerce Richard Brooks said: “We’re delighted to bring the Business Growth Studio to Burton, starting with such a crucial topic.”

Support: Rob Page (right) with Richard Wileman

Contact: Charlie Elliott T: 07753 453624

Connecting businesses with future workforce

An initiative to connect businesses with schools to help the next generation prepare for the world of work has been launched by Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce.

“Bridging the Gap between Business and Education” is a resource pack designed to unlock the potential of the future workforce.

As well as insights from Chamber members such as The Listening Centre, Chase Terrace Academy and The Career Owl, the resource pack contains information for companies on how to engage with education and inspiration and support for work experience.

It also outlines some of the key challenges facing businesses who are struggling to recruit –and young people who are seeking a path into work.

Charity sends vital care equipment to Ukraine

Grace Cares, the not-for-profit social enterprise committed to making care more sustainable, has delivered a van load of essential care equipment to Ukraine.

The equipment will support patients affected by war-related trauma, amputation and postsurgical recovery.

The donation was made in partnership with frontline medical volunteers, Driving Ukraine, and humanitarian organisations working directly in conflict zones, ensuring the items reach those who need them most.

While Grace Cares primarily serves the UK by redistributing surplus care equipment to individuals, care homes, and community groups, this international donation supports their wider goal of reducing waste in the care sector.

The shipment includes mobility aids and trauma-support items.

Items such as walking frames, crutches, wound dressings, catheters and stoma care kits were all unable to be reused in the UK due to minor cosmetic damage, changes in infection control standards, or equipment upgrades.

However, they remain fully functional and potentially life-saving in the right setting.

“We are heartbroken by the continued suffering caused by the war in Ukraine, and when we were asked if we could help, we knew we had the right resources to offer,” said Emma Smith, co-founder of Grace Cares.

“These are items that are no longer usable in the UK – often due to missing parts or not meeting updated NHS standards – but they still have value and purpose.”

“Much of the medical equipment we send out has cosmetic faults or has been replaced by newer versions – but is still entirely usable,” said Steve Eccleshall, one of the Ukraine convoy organisers from Driving Ukraine. We’re grateful to Grace Cares for responding so quickly and generously. Every item they’ve provided will make a difference to people who have lost so much.”

Grace Cares ensures all international donations are carbon-offset and only send equipment that cannot be redistributed within the UK

Fiona Rouse, president of the Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce, said: “’Bridging the Gap’ is full of practical ideas to help you create these partnerships.

“It’s about showing your people what they can achieve and give teachers and businesses the opportunity to connect.

“We want to keep this pack relevant and need your support and input to do this.

“Let’s work together and unlock the incredible potential within our future workforce.”

• Scan the QR code to access the “Bridging the Gap between Business and Education” resource pack.

Shop owners donate food to FareShare

The owners of a Tamworth shop have donated over 1.4 tonnes of unused stock to local charities, including FareShare Midlands, to support those most in need after a devastating fire.

On New Year's Day, a freezer malfunction triggered a fire at A&D Superchoice in Kingsbury, Tamworth, causing extensive smoke damage and resulting in the store’s temporary closure while awaiting refurbishment work.

Following the misfortune, owners Asifa and Dean donated a substantial amount of ambient food items such as tins, cereals, drinks and confectionery, that could no longer be sold. Their donation to FareShare Midlands is equivalent to approximately 3,339 meals for people facing food insecurity in the local community.

Asifa said: “We’re a small village convenience store and many of our customers are elderly. It’s been heartbreaking not being able to provide them with essentials like milk and bread.

“All we can do is to keep delivering the papers - something they look forward to each day.”

Laura Spencer, FareShare Midlands’ head of commercial, said: “As a Kingsbury resident, I was thrilled when Asifa and Dean reached out to offer their surplus stock to FareShare Midlands.

“It was a shock to learn their store had suffered a fire. Their generosity, especially in such challenging circumstances, will make a huge difference to many families struggling with food poverty.”

Incredible potential: Fiona Rouse

Compassion and dignity (left to right): Emma Smith, Ron Ashby and Pippa Moor from Grace Cares

Contact: Charlie Elliott T: 07753 453624

Ideas wanted for charter anniversary

The countdown has begun to celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of Sutton Coldfield’s Royal charter – and a new organising committee is asking residents for their ideas on how to mark the historic milestone.

2028 will mark 500 years since local benefactor Bishop Vesey persuaded King Henry VIII to grant Sutton Coldfield its famous charter, and a “shadow” committee responsible for overseeing the planning and development of the arrangements to celebrate the quincentenary has met.

Chaired by Sutton MP Sir Andrew Mitchell – who also hosted the first meeting – the committee is led by Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council (RSCTC) and includes members from institutions that also trace their histories back to Tudor times, including Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust and Holy

Trinity Parish Church, where Bishop Vesey is buried.

Other members include a representative of the Friends of Sutton Park Association and Sutton Coldfield Heritage Network, and local figures such as Alderman David Roy, who is a member of the Sutton Coldfield Civic Society.

The committee will remain a “shadow” group until after next

year’s elections, when longterm political members can be confirmed.

Sir Andrew said: “Sutton Coldfield people are proud of our historic town’s Royal status, and 2028 provides a unique opportunity to mark 500 years since it was first granted. We want to hear residents’ own ideas for how we can best celebrate this historic anniversary.”

Business delegation take their issues to Parliament

Millennium Cargo moves to Sutton Coldfield

Midlands-based freight forwarding company Millennium Cargo has relocated its headquarters to Sutton Coldfield – marking a new chapter in the firm’s 28-year journey.

Founded in 1996, Millennium Cargo is a family business which helps businesses to move goods around the world – from shipping containers overseas to transporting urgent parcels by air.

The move to larger premises in Sutton Coldfield comes as the business continues to grow its team, client base and international reach.

Millennium Cargo works with clients across the UK and internationally, shipping everything from factory machinery to fashionwear.

The new office will also serve as a hub for innovation, training and client support.

“Our decision to move wasn’t just about needing more space – it was about creating the right environment for our next stage of growth,” said Connor Blunt, commercial director of Millennium Cargo.

“We’ve spent nearly three decades building a company that’s known for its honesty, reliability and no-nonsense approach to freight.

Sutton Coldfield businesses took their views to the heart of Government.

A delegation from Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce met with the Royal Town’s MP Sir Andrew Mitchell in parliament. They shared some of the challenges and opportunities on the horizon and discussed the planned redevelopment of Sutton Coldfield town centre.

Topics discussed included mechanisms to encourage business growth, the critical role of public transport and protecting the decisionmaking powers of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council. The delegation was led by Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber president Naeem Arif, head of the Chamber Charlie Elliott and policy advisor Gemma Dilkes.

Naeem said: “It is important to understand how we fit into the overall picture, because whilst we may be a small town geographically, we have an important part to play in the West Midlands economy - and a number of our businesses trade nationally and internationally.”

“The new Sutton Coldfield office reflects the direction we’re heading – it’s modern, better connected, and gives us the space and opportunities to serve our clients even better.”

Conferences brings students together

Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet) brought together students for a day of inspiration, leadership and dialogue at the annual Student Conference at Sutton Coldfield College.

Centred on the theme “Empowering Voices, Shaping Futures: Building Leadership, Community and Global Citizenship”, the 2025 conference showcased the strength of student voice and its vital role in shaping the future of education across the college group.

Growth: Connor Blunt with finance director Keeley Blunt

Heart of government: Sir Andrew Mitchell with the Chamber delegation

Making a start: The first meeting of the organising committee planning the celebrations for the 500th anniversary of Sutton Coldfield’s Royal Charter.

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

Contact: Samantha Frampton

T: 0121 678 7488

Improved transport connections are vital to driving Solihull’s economy, delegates at Solihull Chamber’s annual business expo heard. A panel of experts including senior figures from Birmingham Airport and HS2 took part in a Solihull Economic Update seminar as part of the expo at Cranmore Park Conference Centre.

‘The borough is a key area for investment, skills and education’

Transport connectivity issues have been a focus for the Chamber in collaboration with Solihull Council and business leaders since September 2023, when an initial roundtable discussion found that these issues were having a negative impact.

Hosted by Solihull Chamber president Emma-Louise Hewitt, this year’s Economic Update panel was made up of Cllr Karen Grinsellleader of Solihull Metropolitan

Borough Council; Nick Barton, CEO of Birmingham Airport; Antoinette Farrell-Jones, people director at Birmingham Airport; David Mitchelmore, senior project manager at HS2; Ian Taylor, managing director at the NEC Group; and Tony Elvin, general manager at Touchwood Solihull.

Cllr Karen Grinsell said the borough was a key area for investment, skills and educationas well as noting areas that need improvement, such as the high demand for housing and improved transport connectivity.

The panel went on to discuss global and national connectivity,

public transport, and national tourism to the West Midlands.

Nick Barton said: “The airport will see a record high this year, with profits estimated to be over a quarter of a billion pounds. This will go directly back into the Solihull economy.”

He also shared his support for the HS2 project, adding: “HS2 is going to be spectacular. We as a borough will have better access to London, which is very important for our group network development.”

David Mitchelmore detailed the progress of the HS2 project, bringing specific focus on the current reset of its delivery.

He said: “The HS2 project is due to inject £20bn into the economy in the next 10 years, creating 31,000 jobs, of which 18,000 are apprenticeships.”

Ian Taylor, managing director of the NEC Group, said around sevenmillion people visited the NEC’s venues in the last year. He also highlighted how Birmingham will be hosting the upcoming Invictus Games in 2027, on the back of the success of the Commonwealth Games.

Solihull Expo an ‘incredible day’ Region needs better connectivity

products and services.

The expo included two seminars; “Make Every Word Count” led by Richard Newell of Perception Copywriting, and “LinkedIn for Business in 2025: What’s Working Now & What’s Coming Next’” led by Ben Macdonald of T40 Digital and LessClicks.

Samantha Frampton, head of the Solihull Chamber of Commerce, said: “What an incredible day at the Solihull Expo. It was fantastic to see so many businesses come together, make connections, and share knowledge.

“A huge thank you to our amazing speakers for delivering such valuable sessions, to our exhibitors for creating such a vibrant and engaging showcase, and of course to all the delegates who joined us and brought such energy to the day.

“We’re so proud to be part of a business community that truly supports and lifts each other up”

Better Connections (left to right): Tony Elvin, David Mitchelmore, Ian Taylor, Karen Grinsell, Emma-Louise Hewitt, Antoinette Farrell-Jones, Nick Barton and Samantha Frampton

Apprentice star announced as awards speaker

Scarlett Allen-Horton, a multi- award-winning recruitment entrepreneur, will be a guest speaker at this year’s Solihull Awards on Friday, 26 September, at the National Conference Centre.

Scarlett is also a BBC Apprentice finalist and founder of Harper Fox Search Partners, a purpose-led executive search firm.

As a business partner to Lord Sugar, board advisor, and keynote speaker, Scarlett champions leadership, STEM, and EDI (electronic data interchange).

She has scaled her business up to seven figures and is recognised for her impact in recruitment and diversity, with features in The Times, BBC News, and Business Leader. Scarlett also serves as an EDI advisor and Judge.

Scarlett said: “It’s an absolute honour to be a guest speaker for this year’s Solihull Chamber Awards.

“Celebrating the resilience, innovation, and impact of local businesses is more important than ever. Solihull is home to incredible talent and enterprise as well as myself, my daughters and my own business, and I’m proud to stand alongside those who are driving real change.”

Chamber reveals radio presenter to return as host

BBC West Midlands Breakfast Show presenter PJ Ellis (pictured) will return as the host for this year’s Solihull Awards 2025 at the National Conference Centre on Friday 26 September 2025.

Well-known in the West Midlands for his entrepreneurial and philanthropic feats, PJ is the co-founder of LoveBrum, a local charity that reaches out to Birmingham-based projects that are delivering real change to Birmingham.

PJ read law at the University of Birmingham and then practised as a solicitor for seven years.

He set up the social media agency, Blake7, which merged with Lightbox Digital in the summer of 2018. He exited that business in July 2023.

An advocate of all things Birmingham, PJ was a founding trustee of the cancer charity Help Harry Help Others in 2012, and was responsible for establishing, and organising, the Harry Moseley Charity Ball which raised over £230,000 in its first two years. The annual event continues to this day.

PJ then co-founded LoveBrum in 2014, which shines a light on the “hidden gem” projects of Birmingham.

Having helped raise nearly £1m for charity, PJ received a Points of Light award from the Prime Minister in 2018, which recognises outstanding UK volunteers in their community, and was selected to be a Batonbearer for the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

He is currently also working as a roving reporter for BBC Radio WM.

PJ said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be returning to host the Solihull Chamber of Commerce Awards

2025. Celebrating brilliant people and brilliant businesses is exactly what I’m all about - and I can’t wait to help shine a light on the amazing talent and success stories that make this community so special. Bring it on.”

Samantha Frampton, head of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, said: “PJ brought such incredible energy, humour, and heart to last year’s event, and it’s fantastic to have someone who’s not only a brilliant host but also so passionate about our local business community.”

College named headline sponsor

Solihull College & University Centre are to be the headline sponsor for this year’s awards.

Rebecca Gater, principal and chief executive, said: “Solihull College & University Centre is proud to once again, be the headline sponsor of the Solihull Chamber of Commerce Awards.

“As previous winners in both the Excellence in Training and Education and the Rising Star categories, we understand the importance of celebrating the achievements of local businesses and individuals.

“This event is a true highlight of the year, bringing together our vibrant business community to recognise innovation, success and the people and teams making a real difference across the region.”

This year’s awards venue, The National Conference Centre, will be sponsoring the drinks reception before the awards ceremony.

How to book

For more information on the awards, sponsorship opportunities and to book tickets visit the Solihull Awards event page at www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com or email SolihullAwards@birminghamchamber.com

Absolute honour: Scarlett Allen-Horton

Contact: Sophie Poduval-Morrell

T: 07540 751590

Two more VIP golden tickets snapped up

By Darby Newman

Not one but two VIP golden tickets for the 2025 Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards were given away at the Future Faces annual meeting.

Hannah Ellis, area support manager for Lloyds Bank, scooped one of the tickets and Anna-Symone Bateman, student engagement tutor at University College Birmingham, picked up the other, both securing VIP spots at the awards.

Throughout this year, Future Faces members will have the chance to uncover 10 golden tickets randomly hidden at Future Faces events. Five tickets have been found so far.

Winners will receive VIP access to the awards, ensuring a night of celebration and networking among the region’s top talent and industry leaders.

The awards are due to take place on 17 October 2025 at Birmingham’s ICC.

Hannah said: “I’m thrilled to be able to attend the 2025 event. As a region we have a lot of awards across different sectors which young professionals might get a seat at if they are lucky. With the GBYPY Awards young professionals are the majority and all the awards are won by young professionals across all sectors.”

Anna-Symone said: “I went to the awards last year, and it was full of good vibes. I was very moved and inspired by the nominees and the winners’ stories and actions, so it means a lot to go again and be surrounded by other young people who are making amazing contributions to their respected fields. I’m looking forward to hearing what others have achieved and being around other young people who are doing well.”

For more information, visit the events calendar at www.greater birminghamchambers.com

Banker takes on Sahara trek

A Future Faces committee member will be taking on the challenge of trekking 100km across the Sahara Desert for Crisis UK, raising money to tackle homelessness.

Hannah Ellis, area support manager at Lloyds Bank, will be taking on the challenge with the target of raising £4,000 for the charity across the rest of this year.

She will be completing the Trek alongside 90 colleagues, and with Lloyds Bank matching their fundraising, the team are hoping to be able to donate total of £750,000 to Crisis UK.

As part of this fundraising, Future Faces have donated a year’s membership for Hannah to raffle to young professionals in the region. This will officially be launched at one of the upcoming events.

There was a 10 per cent increase in youth homelessness in the years 2023-2024, showing that homelessness among individuals under 30 is escalating, influenced by factors such as economic pressures and housing shortages.

Hannah said: “Growing up and through my education and career, I have not had a fear of homelessness, something that cannot be taken

for granted. I have friends who have not been so fortunate and listening to their experiences and knowing how much charities and government funding can support young people/young families motivated me to sign up for this trek.

“The average age for first-time homebuyers in England has been steadily increasing. This is influenced by the increased cost of housing, the need for larger deposits and wage growth not keeping pace with property prices.

“In 2023 the average house price was 8.6 times the average annual disposable household income, the affordability ratio has nearly doubled since 1999 (4.4 times). Owning property is becoming increasingly more difficult, removing a layer of stability from where we were 25 years ago.

“With matched giving, the trek should raise nearly three quarters of a million pounds and I can’t wait to be a part of that.”

To donate towards Hannah’s cause, scan the QR code.

New Members

Aimee Hawkins Lichfield District Council

Elliot O'Brien BHB Architects

Ethan Jenkins The Boss Partnership

Fiona BellLichfield District Council

Georgia Frend Lichfield District Council

Grace Hudson Lichfield District Council

Henry Watson JDD Furniture Ltd

Jade McArdle Lichfield District Council

Jordan Jones Pneuma

Jordan Laight BRI Wealth Management PLC

Joseph Garfield Lichfield District Council

Judith Stone Browne Jacobson LLP

Kuda Chakamba Lichfield District Council

Megan Whitehouse The Boss Partnership

Molly Johnson Chiron Healthcare at Home Ltd

Morgan Byrne Lichfield District Council

Nathan Lewis Lichfield District Council

Niamh Roseway-Jones BHB Architects

Nicholas Turner GMI Construction Group Plc

Rebecca Campbell West Midlands Combined

Authority

Sadie Millermaggs JDD Furniture Ltd

Thomas Forrester BRI Wealth Management PLC

Tom Randall Bishop Fleming

Xavier Walker Lichfield District Council

Golden ticket 1 (left to right): Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell with Hannah Ellis and Sarah Griffiths, Future Faces president

Golden ticket 2: ...and with Anna-Symone Bateman (centre)

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

Next mentor scheme launched

Future Faces have officially launched their next mentor scheme cohort.

The scheme supports young professional members to develop their career skills and future business aspirations with a mentor in one-to-one sessions once a month over a six-month period, either online or in-person.

Candidates will be selected and paired with mentors by the Future Faces working group.

Daniella Campbell, chartered financial planner at Mazars, took part in the previous mentor scheme cohort, and has now joined its working group.

‘Being a mentor also benefited me as an individual too’

She said: “My experience as a mentee was nothing but positive. I was undergoing a change in roles at work and a significant increase in responsibility, and my mentor provided a safe space to talk through the challenges of the new role with no judgment and lots of things to learn.”

Sue Christopher, vice president head of payroll at Deutsche Bank, also took part in the scheme as a mentor.

She said: “Becoming a mentor gave me an opportunity to connect with an up and coming ‘future face’, sharing knowledge gained throughout my career and experience as a senior leadership member.

“Being a mentor also benefited me as an individual too, as my mentee had valuable perspectives and was open to being challenged and moved outside of their comfort zone.”

Jasmine Caine, senior account director at Rewired PR and head of the Future Faces mentor scheme working group, said: “The impact of this programme is far-reaching, with benefits extending beyond the six-month commitment. For young professionals, having a mentor not only provides them with invaluable

Forvis Mazars to sponsor Future Faces memberships

Forvis Mazars will be sponsoring Future Faces memberships for two successful applicants.

Daniella Campbell, from Forvis Mazars, and Faye Jacklin, Future Faces vicepresident and manager at Claritas Tax, as well as the Future Faces D&I working group team, will be selecting two young professionals for the fully-funded places.

Faye said: “Sponsored Future Faces memberships for Birmingham-based young professionals is an idea that the D&I Working Group have been discussing for a while so to be able to have a chance to select two individuals to receive a fully-funded FF membership is really exciting.”

Daniella added: “I am thrilled that Forvis Mazars are able to support the next generation of young professionals in Birmingham by donating the funded memberships. Investing in future talent is something we’re truly proud of.”

Stephen Lewis, office managing partner at Forvis Mazars, said: “Here at Forvis Mazars we are delighted to support Future Faces and future generations of young professionals. By donating the funded memberships of Future Faces we hope to be giving more talented young individuals the opportunity to develop their future careers.”

Future Faces is the largest young professional network in the region, helping young professionals to network, connect and grow in their careers.

advice and expert guidance, but offers a safe space for them to navigate career challenges and work towards their individual goals.

“For mentors, this is a unique and incredibly rewarding opportunity to give back and share their wisdom to support the leaders of tomorrow, while gaining fresh perspectives that can futureproof their own management approaches.”

For more information on the Mentor Scheme, email Jasmine Caine at jasmine@rewiredpr.com

It offers a mentoring scheme and two events per month, including professional development and networking.

The memberships up for application are best suited to someone aged 1835 years old, proud to be a Brummie and excited to network with likeminded young professionals.

Future Faces memberships usually cost £150 (+VAT) for 12 months, whereas the two memberships sponsored by Forvis Mazars will be completely free of charge for the successful applicants.

Candidate can apply by scanning the QR code. The application deadline is Friday, 13 June

Giving away two memberships: Daniella Campbell (left) and Faye Jacklin

Mentor champions: Committee members Adam Gadsby and Jasmine Caine circulate at a Future Faces event

A right Royal bonanza in Sutton

Over 350 delegates are expected at the Sutton Coldfield Chamber Royal Business Fair on 24 June. It takes place in the heart of Sutton in the Gracechurch Centre, championing Sutton’s thriving business community. There will also be 35-plus exhibitors and two seminars and a speed networking session. It is just one of a myriad of events throughout the Chamber network from Cannock Chase through Birmingham to Solihull.

…and most are FREE for members

JUNE

Grow Your Workforce, Not Your Payroll

Date: 4 June

Time: 14:00 - 16:30

Venue: 54 Hagley Road, Birmingham

Division: Business Growth Studio

Cost: Members only

Thriving Under Pressure

Date: 5 June

Time: 9:00 - 11:30

Venue: Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Division: Business Growth Studio

Cost: Members only

Networking Lunch

Date: 9 June

Time: 12:30 - 14:00

Venue: The Strawberry Bank, Solihull

Division: Solihull

Cost: Future Faces: £15 + VAT

Non-members: £50 + VAT

Eid Celebration (ABCC)

Date: 10 June

Time: 18:00 - 21:30

Venue: National Conference Centre

Division: ABCC

Cost: ABCC Members: Free Members: £30 + VAT

Future Faces: £15 + VAT Non-members: £60 + VAT

Speed Networking (GBCC)

Date: 10 June

Time: 12:00 - 13:00

Venue: Online

Division: Birmingham

Cost: Future Faces: £15 + VAT Non-members: £20 + VAT

1813 + Prem Exemplar Visit

Date: 12 June

Time: 16:30 - 18:30

Venue: Practice Plus Group

Division: Birmingham

Cost: Members only

Netwalking & Networking Lunch

Date: 13 June

Time: 12:00 - 14:00

Venue: Park Gate Pub/Castle Ring, Cannock

Division: Cannock Chase

Cost: Future Faces: £15 + VAT

Non-members: £50 + VAT

The Commercial Opportunities of

Sustainable Business

Date: 17 June

Time: 8:30 - 10:00

Venue: Mulberry, Burton

Division: Business Growth Studio

Cost: Members only

Networking Lunch

Date: 18 June

Time: 12:00 - 14:00

Venue: Gaucho, Birmingham

Division: Birmingham

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

Non-members: £50 + VAT

Global Brunch

Date: 20 June

Time: 9:30 - 11:30

Venue: Arcadis

Division: Global Cost: Free

Royal Business Fair

Date: 24 June

Time: 9:00 – 14:30

Venue: Gracechurch Centre, Sutton

Division: Royal Sutton Coldfield Cost: Free

Premier Breakfast

Date: 25 June

Time: 8:30 - 10:30

Venue: Becketts Farm

Division: Birmingham Cost: Premier members only

JULY

Rethinking Recruitment: Attracting & Selecting Talent

Date: 1 July

Time: 8:30 - 10:00

Venue: Arden Hotel & Leisure Club, Solihull

Division: Business Growth Studio Cost: Members only

Solihull Retro Games

Date: 3 July

Time: 15:30 - 19:00

Venue: Hogarths, Solihull

Division: Solihull

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

Non-members: £25 + VAT

Chamber Connections – ABCC

Date: 3 July

Time: 15:30 - 17:00

Venue: TBC

Division: ABCC

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

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 Division: Royal Sutton Coldfield Cost: Free

QBR Briefing (Q2)

Date: 9 July

Time: 9:00 - 11:00

Venue: BCU – Curzon Building Division: Birmingham Cost: Members only

Summer Barbecue (Networking Lunch)

Date: 10 July

Time: 11:30 - 14:30

Venue: The Bond, Digbeth

Division: Birmingham Cost: £25 + VAT members only

New Markets Workshop

Date: 15 July

Time: 9:30 - 12:30

Venue: Millennium Point

Division: Business Growth Studio Cost: Members only

Black Business Collective

Date: 16 July

Time: TBC

Venue: TBC

Division: Black Business Collective

Cost: Free for all

Netwalking & Networking Lunch

Date: 16 July

Time: 12:00 - 14:00

Venue: TBC

Division: Burton & District

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

Future Faces Professional Development

Date: 22 July

Time: 17:30 - 19:30

Venue: TBC

Division: Future Faces

Cost: Members only

1813 + Prem Support Session

Date: 22 July

Time: 9:00 - 11:00

Venue: TBC

Division: Birmingham

Cost: 1813 Club and Premier members only

Future Faces Personal Development

Date: 23 July

Time: 12:30 - 13:15

Venue: TBC

Division: Future Faces

Cost: Members only

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: Future Faces/Lichfield & Tamworth

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

Chamber calls on members to help boost sustainable efforts

Arenewed drive to make Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s (GBCC) events more sustainable has led to a significant reduction in waste.

And now the GBCC events team – responsible for delivering more than 220 events each year –are calling on Chamber members to help them make further improvements.

Sustainable initiatives introduced by the team include the digitisation of event literature, including brochures and delegate lists, as well as the phasing out of printed name badges.

Traditional A4 delegate lists have now been replaced by QR codes, leading to a 75 per cent reduction in paper usage, from approximately 12,100 pages per year to 440.

Printed brochures for GBCC expos – typically ranging from 12-16 pages – have been phased out in favour of a digital guide and a small A5 card.

This has led to a 95 per cent paper reduction, with just 1,000 A5 sheets being used annually

rather than the 20,800 required to print A4 brochures.

Additionally, the size and volume of printed awards brochures have been scaled back.

Trophies presented to winners at the GBCC’s five flagship awards dinners are now being made from bamboo, a more sustainable material than the glass trophies previously used.

Events manager Marcella Meehan says the next step in making events more sustainable is cutting food waste.

‘While

we have made huge progress in making our events more sustainable, there is always room for improvement’

Much of the leftover food is a result of “noshows”, resulting in around 229kg of croissants and nearly 1,000 litres of coffee being wasted each year.

Now, Marcella is encouraging members to play their part in eliminating waste by cancelling event bookings when they can no longer attend.

She said: “While we have made huge progress in making our events more sustainable, there is always room for improvement, particularly when it comes to leftover food and refreshments.

“Event delegates can play their part in helping us cut food wastage by letting us know at the earliest possible opportunity if they are no longer able to attend – ideally at least three days in advance.

“This ensures we can order the right amount of food and drink for each event.

“Naturally, we’re always open to further suggestions to help us improve sustainability at events – please do contact us with your feedback.” Contact the events team on

Cutting food waste: Marcella Meehan

Supporting people with addiction

‘There is still a stigma attached to addiction, which we are keen to challenge’

Westablished in 2001, following a pilot study aimed at improving access to drug treatment services in Solihull. It started out, working alongside the NHS, offering a single point of access to services and non-clinical support. Over the years its services have expanded to include treatment and recovery services for adults and young people with alcohol, as well as drug dependency, and family support for children affected by parental substance misuse.

CEO of Welcome Charity Sally Edwards (pictured), said: “There is still a stigma attached to addiction, which we are keen to challenge. Typically, people start out aiming to make themselves feel better, often in response to difficult life circumstances. Over time the feelgood-feeling becomes more elusive, leading to a desire to intake higher quantities. Then the negative side effects kick in and people can find themselves with a dependency, which they had not anticipated.”

Welcome Charity is now a partner in SIAS (Solihull Integrated Addiction Services) and Sally says she would urge anyone who drinks or takes drugs regularly to take a step back and consider whether they have started to rely on substances to cope, or as an instinctive response to life’s ups and downs, and whether or not they are as unaffected as they think they are. A quick way to take stock is to try the quick quizzes on the SIAS website.

All drugs have side effects and alcohol is a depressant over time, even if it seems to provide

ability to cope with the circumstances we hoped to improve or escape over time. Welcome’s practitioners talk to their clients about what is going on in their lives and help them to find ways that don’t involve substances to respond to life’s challenges.

Sally added: “People might have a mental image of an addict, which is a million miles from how they see themselves. But addictive behaviour can affect all of us.”

What is addiction?

Addiction often begins with a voluntary behaviour, but over time, it alters brain chemistry and function, especially in areas related to decision-making, judgment, learning and memory. That’s why addiction is considered a disease, not just a failure of willpower. There are two kinds of addiction:

• Substance addiction: Involves drugs or alcohol (e.g. opioids, cocaine, alcohol, nicotine)

• Behavioural addiction: Involves behaviours that become compulsive (e.g. gambling, gaming, sex, or even social media use).

The key features of addiction are:

1. Craving: A strong urge or desire to use the substance or engage in the behaviour

2. Loss of control: Inability to stop, even when wanting to

3. Tolerance: Needing more of the substance or behaviour to achieve the same effect

4. Withdrawal: Physical or psychological symptoms when not using or engaging

Negative impact: Damaged relationships, work issues, health problems, legal or financial trouble.

Being in addiction can be extremely isolating. Getting out of it, with expert support, can bring the opposite of that – connectivity. It can help people get their relationships back and enjoy life again.

A Charitable cause

Welcome Charity raises money to support adults with rebuilding their lives in recovery and to support children affected by parental substance, with building their lives. This includes enabling them to participate in activities that other children take for granted and access specialist counselling if needed. “Addiction affects the whole family,” said Sally. “Not just the individual using a substance or engaging in addictive behaviour. We aim to provide children with a trusted adult to talk to about their situation and any concerns in a totally safe space. Our skilled workers can have conversations with them about all sorts of things that other children would be able to discuss with their parents, and can support them with building understanding and resilience as well as with making life choices.

“We know that people who have not experienced addiction, or are not aware that they are experiencing it, might not consider donating to a charity such as ours. But when you have seen the joy on the face of a child enjoying what you would consider an everyday experience that they have never had, you understand the power of the work we do.”

Fighting for meaningful change

By Lynn Pritchatt

The Mel Evans MBE Foundation is a registered charity based in Staffordshire, run purely by volunteers dedicated to raising awareness and vitally needed research funding to support the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and advocating for those living with MND. MND is a group of rare neurodegenerative disorders that selectively affect motor neurons, the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control muscle movement.

Currently there is no effective treatment for MND and no cure. MND is typically life-shortening, with the average life expectancy for someone with MND ranging from two to three years after diagnosis. There is no specific test to diagnose MND but doctors use a combination of tests, including electromyography (EMG) nerve conduction studies and MRI to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

I witnessed first-hand the cruel realities of what MND does to strong, fit and healthy people when, totally out of the blue, my husband Mel was diagnosed in April 2016. Our journey with MND was very rapid. Within five months all mobility and speech had been taken away from Mel. We battled with everything we had for a very short 15 months until Mel passed away in July 2017.

Having found myself in a very dark place and almost losing my own life, I found some light in the sheer blanket of darkness MND had left in its wake.

I founded The Mel Evans MBE Foundation in 2019 and it serves as a platform to raise awareness of MND, in addition to raising vitally needed research funding to support the work of The Sheffield Institute for Translational Research (SITraN), led by one of country’s leading neuroscientists, Professor Dame Pamela Shaw. The charity raises awareness of the condition while also giving a voice to individuals who often feel marginalised due to the debilitating impact of MND. The foundation is supported by trustees and patrons who freely give their time to support as many activities as possible. Patrons include Professor Dame Pamela Shaw, former world snooker champion and BBC Question of Sport captain John Parrot MBE and NTA winning actor Peter Ash. Peter played a character

in the ITV Show Coronation Street who was diagnosed with MND. The accurate portrayal of MND by the much-loved longstanding ITV show raised awareness of the disease to another level.

The foundation has been instrumental in conducting extensive public awareness campaigns and promoting an accurate understanding of MND. It also organises regular events and provides support services to the wider MND community.

Since its inception in 2019, The Mel Evans MBE Foundation has grown in both influence and size. Its dedication to raising awareness of MND has garnered attention from media and the public, further emphasising the urgent need for MND awareness and greater understanding.

Through collaborative working with various stakeholders, including other MND charities and corporate sponsors, The Mel Evans MBE Foundation has been able to expand its reach and impact.

These collaborations have enabled the charity to raise vitally needed funding to support two specific research projects led by a PhD student at SITraN.

Mitochondria, often referred to as the ‘powerhouse’ of a cell, are critical components in cellular functioning involved in several important biological processes. However, in some cases, mitochondria can become

dysfunctional and contribute towards disease. Evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction in MND exists. However, due to the diverse nature of MND, these dysfunctions vary between patients.

The aim of the research project that charity is funding is to identify the key mitochondrial abnormalities and the underlying mechanisms in different subtypes of MND using patient-derived cells. Within the first part of this study, it has been shown that mitochondria from MND patient fibroblasts that have a specific genetic background have a defect in their shape, size and functioning.

Work has now progressed to mitochondrial investigations in the re-programmed brain cells.

Investigations within these brain cells will include the assessment of how much oxygen the mitochondria use in a process called mitochondrial respiration. This can give a readout of the function and health of mitochondria and investigations into the functioning of a mitochondrial substructure, known as the electron transport chain, comprising small complex proteins that must work in unison to generate the metabolic energy needed for cell survival.

Once the characteristics of the mitochondria have been identified, the final stage of the study will involve drug screening to identify potential new therapeutics capable

(pictured), founder of The Mel Evans MBE Foundation

ABOVE: Pioneering research to identify mitochondrial abnormalities

of restoring mitochondrial dysfunction.

The Mel Evans MBE Foundation continues its mission to raise awareness of the disease, in addition to supporting the MND community, highlighting the importance of community support and understanding in managing this rare and often misunderstood condition. The charity’s work is a testament to the strength of collective action, demonstrating that through unity, friendship, love and awareness, meaningful change can be achieved.

In the future, The Mel Evans MBE Foundation aims to further expand its network and influence, increase collaborative working with other MND charities in order to increase the reach of awareness raising activities. The foundation is a light of hope for those living with MND, offering a platform for their voices to be heard and their stories to be shared, affirming they are not alone in their journey. To cite the words of the late, great Rob Burrow CBE: “MND is not incurable, it is underfunded”.

This year it is a privilege for The Mel Evans MBE Foundation to be the Cannock Chase District Chamber of Commerce Charity Partner. Mel was a Cannock lad born and bred so for the charity that bears his name to be recognised in this way is very special.

TOP RIGHT: Lynn pictured with Kevin Sinfield CBE

TOP LEFT: Mel Evans was awarded an MBE in 2012

The impact of

tourism

The tourism industry is not just important to seaside towns and holiday hotspots – for cities like Birmingham, the visitor economy is a crucial contributor to the growth of the local economy. Chamberlink explores the key benefits of tourism.

Increased revenue

Tourism is a significant source of revenue for towns, cities and regions. Visitors who come to explore a new place spend money, whether that is at hotels and restaurants, shopping in local stores or taking part in unique activities, such as tours, theatre shows or cultural events. As a result, local businesses have the potential to earn more income.

For example, the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022 contributed £1.2bn to the economy and generated £79.5m in social value as visitors flocked to the city for the sporting event – the biggest to be held in England since the London 2012 Olympics. The financial legacy of the Games has resulted in improved infrastructure and a host of cultural and environmental projects for the residents and businesses who call Birmingham home.

Job creation

As well as revenue, tourism also generates employment opportunities. Firstly, the growth of the tourism industry means more job opportunities for local people in fields such as hospitality, transportation and entertainment, the sectors typically associated with the tourism industry.

Additionally, a bump in tourism can lead to the creation of new businesses, as demand for services creates new opportunities for growth. A town or city seeing an influx in visitors will not only have a higher demand for more accommodation options, restaurants and entertainment facilities, but there will be more opportunities for smaller, independent businesses, such as specialist shops and cafés, to take advantage a higher footfall of visitors. More job opportunities result

‘Tourism can play a vital role in the preservation of local culture and history, but care must be taken to ensure it is treated with sensitivity and respect’

in lower unemployment opportunities and an increase in standard of living for the local community.

The preservation of culture

Tourism can play a vital role in the preservation of local culture and history, but care must be taken to ensure it is treated with sensitivity and respect.

An obvious example of how tourism can protect local culture is through museums and art galleries. A great number of museums in the UK – including Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery – are free, which make them the perfect activity for visitors (especially on rainy days). Local markets support artisan craft makers and food suppliers, while events, such as music and dance performances, can share the story of a place in creative ways. In Birmingham, the annual Heritage Week event (taking place 12-21 September 2025) offers visitors the chance to see some of the city’s most important industrial and cultural heritage buildings and learn more about the city’s past.

Tourism also plays a huge role in helping preserve historic sites and landmarks that otherwise may have been lost to time. The UNESCO World Heritage List identifies and protects cultural and natural heritage sites of universal significance, while in the UK, The National Trust protects and cares for historic places and natural beauty spots for future generations to enjoy. The West Midlands is home to a number of National Trust locations, including the Back to Backs and Wightwick Manor and Gardens.

Infrastructure development and improved quality of life

As more visitors come to an area, the need for more and better-quality amenities, including public transportation networks, accommodation and public toilets, increases.

Improved infrastructure will not just benefit tourists though – it can also lead to a better quality of life for locals. For example, improved roads and public transport systems will make it easier for locals to get to work or school, while beauty spots such as parks and community spaces can improve air quality. It is important for councils to give residents a say on the improvements made, as community participation and engagement in infrastructure development projects can empower local residents and enhance social cohesion, making towns and cities better for everyone, residents and visitors alike.

How to become a sustainable hospitality business

The UK’s hospitality sector is thriving – but while this is great for the local economy, it comes with massive environmental challenges. The sector accounts for 15 per cent of UK greenhouses gases and generates more than 900,000 tonnes of food waste each year. But modern customers are asking for change and there is high demand for locally sourced produce, as well as hotels and venues that can demonstrate environmentally friendly practices. So how can businesses in the hospitality sector improve their green credentials? Chamberlink offers its top tips.

Energy efficiency

The nature of hospitality businesses means that many appliances are in almost constant use –think, for example, of a hotel lobby being lit up every hour of the day. Restaurants too are a big energy drain, and use up to 10 times more energy than the average commercial business. However, there are easy ways to reduce energy consumption. A simple place to start is to review the current usage of equipment and upgrade, where possible, to more energy-efficient solutions. This review could also highlight where energy is being wasted – is equipment, such as the dishwasher, being left on when not in use, or are air conditioning thermostats set too high? Make sure you know the recommended temperatures for specific areas in hospitality and set your thermostats accordingly (this information can be found on the Carbon Trust website). If you have the budget and the space, you can also consider investing in renewable energy such as solar panels.

Food waste

Food waste costs the average hospitality business

£20,000 a year, so this waste doesn’t just impact the environment – it’s also having a detrimental effect on your bottom line. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce food waste:

• Monitor customer leftovers and adjust portion sizes if necessary

• Create specials to use up leftover ingredients

• Make sure chefs are consistently measuring ingredients to reduce waste

• Carry out regular stock takes to ensure you aren’t over ordering and only purchasing what you need

• Store food at the correct temperature to increase shelf life

• Remove unpopular dishes from the menu, so you’re not buying ingredients that go to waste

• Invest in food waste management training for your staff.

Source local and seasonal produce

Once you’ve taken the steps to cut down on food waste, you should next look at sourcing local and seasonal produce. Buying from local suppliers will not only reduce your carbon footprint, but it will also give you direct access to the highest quality ingredients. It can also cut down on food waste: as it will spend less time in transit, there is less chance of it spoiling.

Sourcing local and seasonal produce can help generate more sales too, as customers are increasingly demonstrating that they are willing to pay more for locally sourced meals.

Overhaul guest spaces

Guest spaces need to be comfortable and inviting, but this doesn’t mean they can’t be sustainable, too. If you run a hotel or events space, there are a number of things you can do to make these spaces more environmental friendly:

• Use smart technology to switch off lights or air conditioning when the rooms or spaces are unoccupied. Motion sensor lights in communal spaces such as corridors can reduce the need for lighting spaces whenever they are not in use

• Smart showers and aerators on bathroom sinks can help cut down water usage

• Eliminate single use plastic. If you offer complimentary shower gel or shampoo, switch to refillable containers or options with recyclable packaging. If you provide coffee pods, replace them with compostable alternatives and switch plastic/Styrofoam cups and mugs with glass and earthenware that can be washed and re-used

• Give guests the option to opt-out of daily housekeeping and encourage them to re-use their towels, rather than replacing them every day, to reduce the number of laundry loads

• Wash laundry at lower temperatures. Materials can still be cleaned to high standards but this will massively reduce costs and energy consumption.

Sector Focus

The latest news from the sectors that matter to business

Birmingham Airport to soar to new heights

£76.5m over the next 12 months.

Bosses say the plan equates to around £1.5m being spent each week, as the airport gears up for further growth, having closed off its biggest year for passengers’ numbers in 2024.

Plans include further retail and hospitality offerings alongside new lounges and terminal refurbishments.

Ongoing upgrades to the runway, maintenance bases and the expansion of stand capacity will also be rolled out Baggage carousels, makeup areas and vehicle replacements all form part of the biggest investment the airport will see in one year alone.

Nick Barton, CEO at Birmingham Airport, said: “Last year over 13m passengers flew through our airport, but 2025 will be even busier.

“We have already made significant investment in our terminal and airfield and our most significant spending programme to date demonstrates our

Direct Gatwick route planned

Direct rail connections between the Midlands to London Gatwick and the south coast would come into force if moves by Arriva Group are approved.

Arriva Group is submitting an application to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to introduce a new direct rail service between Newcastle and Brighton, via London Gatwick, providing vital connectivity for underserved communities along the route. The service would be operated by Grand Central, Arriva’s established open access rail operator, and could be introduced from December 2026. It would deliver a direct connection from the Northeast and Midlands to London Gatwick and the south coast.

confidence in continued growth. Last year we completed 14 openings and refurbishments across the retail and catering estate, and we have overcome the challenges seen in security.

“Now we look ahead, with this year off to a flying start and one that will deliver our busiest to date with up to 14m forecast to use Birmingham Airport.

“With more passengers, we need improved facilities not only for our customers, but for our colleagues too.

“This significant investment over the next year, will ensure we can continue to build on operational efficiency, whilst improving our resilience and offering greater choice.

“This is an exciting time for Birmingham Airport, its people, partners and passengers alike.”

The latest announcement follows on from a £10m project to improve baggage capability and resilience, alongside reconfiguration of immigration halls to provide more space.

More charging points are on the way as region powers up

The rollout of electric vehicle chargers has accelerated after West Midlands mayor Richard Parker announced another 10,000 connection points to be installed on the region’s roadsides.

Latest Department for Transport statistics show the number of chargers is already growing at a faster rate here than in most areas of the country.

There are now more than 4,000 publicly accessible charging points across the region’s road network –the fifth highest number of all English regions outside London and a 36 per cent increase in the past year alone.

It means residents and businesses in the West Midlands who have already made the switch now have access to the equivalent of 11 chargers per square mile.

That number will continue to grow with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) – which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) – working with local councils across the region to use funding secured from government to install thousands more over the coming years.

‘The

West Midlands is the beating heart of the UK car industry’

This includes almost 200 charging points at nine ultra-fast filling stations where drivers will be able to power their vehicles with 100 miles or range in less than 15 minutes.

The Mayor said: “The West Midlands is the beating heart of the

UK car industry and I want us to lead the charge into a new era of electrification.

“Our roadside EV charging network is already one of the fastest-growing in the country, but I’m not stopping there.

“I’m giving the green light for 10,000 more charging connection points as part of our transport revolution.

“This is about building a cleaner and greener future for all of our communities, reducing pollution and tackling the climate emergency head-on.”

Range anxiety is one of the main reasons that drivers and company bosses have been hesitant about switching to electric vehicles with calls for the nation’s charging infrastructure to be ramped up.

Improved facilities for passengers: Birmingham Airport

Mayor delivers five million extra bus journeys

Five million extra bus journeys have been taken since mayor Richard Parker took office a year ago, thanks to a landmark free travel scheme to get more people to try the bus.

The Passenger Incentive Programme, funded by government and delivered by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) in partnership with bus operators, offers free or discounted bus travel to participating employers and organisations to encourage people to make the long-term switch to bus travel for their daily commute.

Since May 2024, five million journeys have been made under the trybefore-you-buy scheme, which aligns with the Mayor’s Journeys for Everyone priority to connect communities and cut car dependency by offering better, more affordable alternatives.

Among those to have benefited from free travel are hospital staff, care leavers, apprentices and charities. A free evening travel offer was also used to support the region’s nighttime economy in the run up to Christmas.

The free travel is part of a wider £20m programme by TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), to help the region’s bus network recover from falling passenger numbers post Covid and rising fuel and operating costs.

The mayor said: “Already we have thousands of people who rely on the bus network every day for their essential daily journeys. But getting more people onto our bus network means we can cut traffic congestion and deliver cleaner air for our region.

“That’s why I am doing what it takes to get our buses working for everyone and why we are looking at bringing them back under public control, making them easier and more affordable for everyone.

“The uptake on the free travel has been fantastic. We’ve seen five million extra journeys but we still need to do more to make the region's buses work better for local people.”

The incentive scheme is funded by the Department for Transport through the region’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and is one of several initiatives designed to support a passenger-led recovery of the local bus network. As part of the £20m programme, TfWM, is offering free bus travel to targeted groups, including care leavers and apprentices, to support them as they begin a new chapter in their lives or careers.

The offer has proven particularly popular with large employers, NHS trusts, colleges, councils and charities. It allows them to encourage staff and service users to try the bus and consider a long-term shift in how they travel.

Just the ticket: mayor Richard Parker

Service to find the right cover

Norton Insurance Brokers has launched Norton Commercial, a new brand dedicated to helping UK businesses find the right cover, with the same expert service for which Norton is known.

Research from leading insurer Allianz suggests up to 80 per cent of UK SMEs are underinsured.

This means when something goes wrong, many businesses are left without protection. From accountants and consultants to engineers and property managers, Norton Commercial helps businesses spot these gaps early and resolve them by getting the right cover in place.

Norton Commercial is designed for owner-managed businesses with up to £5m in annual turnover. It supports a range of professions, including accountants, consultants, IT support providers, estate agents, property managers and engineers.

The service includes protection across a wide range of products, backed by a panel of trusted insurers to meet the needs of different business types. The new service focuses on helping business owners to protect their business.

Norton Commercial say this is a natural next step as many existing clients also run businesses, so this gives them the option to get the cover they need from a team they already trust.

Mark Wilkinson, managing director at Norton Insurance Brokers, said: “We’ve spent decades earning our reputation in personal insurance by putting our clients first. Too many businesses are underinsured or stuck with policies that don’t reflect the risks they actually face.

“Norton Commercial will bring the same level of care and expertise to business owners who want to be properly protected.

“Our team will take the time to understand each business’ needs, offering expert advice and support every time. We understand how valuable time is to business owners, so our goal is to make commercial insurance simple, fast and personal.”

Norton Commercial is providing a free business insurance health check for a detailed review of your current insurance policies.

Accountant firm opens new city centre office

A Midlands independent accountancy firm has expanded by opening a new office in Birmingham following a significant period of growth.

HB&O, which also has existing offices in Coventry and Leamington Spa, has moved into a prime location at Northspring on Temple Street, in the heart of Birmingham city centre.

It will be the first time the firm, which can trace its roots back to 1924, has had a presence in the city.

The firm works primarily with SMEs, not-for-profit companies and owner-managed businesses.

HB&O offers a wide range of services to businesses and individuals, including audit, business and tax advisory, compliance services, payroll, transaction tax services, inheritance tax, trusts and estates, VAT and indirect tax, and Virtual Finance Office.

It currently employs more than 100 people and has plans to further expand its audit and tax teams as part of its ambitious growth plans in Birmingham.

The business will also continue to develop its offering to clients from its offices in Coventry and Leamington. Its new private office space at Northspring will provide a platform to grow HB&O’s business in Birmingham as it seeks to establish itself as one of the leading independent accountancy and finance firms in the city.

Last year, HB&O was named in the prestigious Accountancy Age Top 50+50 rankings for 2024 –recognising the firm as one of the top 100 in the UK.

Mark Ashfield, managing director at HB&O, said: “It has been a fantastic few years of sustained growth for

the business and opening HB&O Birmingham is an exciting next step as we look to build on that momentum. We will be seeking to expand the reach of our services in the Birmingham area and further enhance our already strong reputation in the West Midlands, which has been built over many years from our established offices in Coventry and Leamington.

“This signals a major investment milestone as we seek to grow our presence across the West Midlands.”

Collaboration to support

A groundbreaking collaboration of Midlands funders was successfully launched at an expo to raise awareness of the finance options available to small to medium-sized enterprises.

Midlands SME Finance, organised by six leading West Midlands finance providers who specialise in lending to businesses unable to secure finance from high street banks and loan companies, hosted 120 delegates at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. It brought together community development financial institutions ART Business Loans, BCRS Business Loans and Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust alongside invoice finance lender FlexABL and community-based lenders UKSE and Frontier Development Capital to showcase their services to local businesses and professional services introducers.

The six finance providers behind Midlands SME Finance all offer debt finance and support through a relationship-based approach, with particular emphasis on supporting economic growth in disadvantaged areas.

Keynote speaker Rhys Herbert, senior economist at Lloyds, briefed the audience on the financial outlook, including the forecasts for growth and the impact of US tariffs on international trade.

The latest Lloyds survey of businesses showed the West Midlands was the second most confident UK nation or region behind only the North East, he said.

Steve Walker, CEO of ART Business Loans, added: “The first Midlands SME Finance event has proven the value of our partnership approach.

“The enthusiastic response from attendees confirms we are addressing a critical market need by providing clear pathways to funding that many businesses did not previously know existed.”

Partners (left to right): Andy Green Frontier Development Capital; Paul Stokes FlexABL; Steve Grice UKSE; Andrew Hustwit BCRS Business Loans; Sheridan Sulskis of CWRT and Steve Walker ART Business Loans

Low-cost solution for manufacturer

A leading Aston-based ball transfer unit manufacturer has installed an innovative solution for a provider of pure-play contract logistics.

Alwayse Ball Unit Solutions designed, manufactured and installed the system for a major sportswear brand as an improved solution for manually sorting products.

The solution involves the use of 382-ball transfer units installed on a specially designed table located at the end of the pack line and connected to four conveyor lanes.

Packages exit the pack conveyor onto the ball unit table and are then pushed onto specific courier lines with no lifting by the operator necessary or use of automation equipment.

Tool to tackle breakdowns

A Burton-based engineering firm has unveiled a new product designed to help businesses improve efficiency through targeting data collection and analysis from wireless IOT and wired data sensors.

Malone Group, an established engineering services and technology company, has developed the system to address the challenge of equipment breakdowns by using real-time monitoring and advanced technology to detect potential issues early. This allows businesses to plan maintenance before breakdowns can happen.

Neil Gould, EC&I manager at Malone Group, said: “Companies today need solutions that not only keep things running smoothly but also fit into their existing operations. PRISMPdM is designed to do just thatoffering businesses an easyto-use system that helps them make smarter maintenance decisions.”

Once the boxes are queued on the specific courier line, a second operator – manning multiple conveyor lines – quickly loads the pallets. There is no need for the second operator to look at the label or be concerned about its final destination.

The solution was designed to handle multiple box sizes, weights and bases, including folded with special attention paid to the smooth running of the boxes over the ball transfer units.

The system was designed, specified and installed in six weeks, with no requirement for the IT department’s involvement and minimal disruption to daily business during the installation. The solution will be in operation throughout the year, including peak periods.

Initial results suggest that with a four-person sort, the ball unit solution is able to improve productivity by 50 per cent during non-peak periods and 25 per cent during peak periods, which potentially gives an ROI of 4-6 months.

Claire Umney, managing director of Alwayse Ball Unit Solutions, says the installation solves a real productivity issue for the customer. “This is a low-cost, low-tech solution that overcomes the problem of unidirectional conveyors.

“The ball unit is omni-directional, allowing boxes to be pushed, not lifted, which leads to both productivity and health and safety improvements in sorting operations, without the need for expensive automation systems.”

Headpoint Advisors assist on sale of textiles operation

Solihull-based Headpoint Advisors have played a crucial role in the sale of a UK textiles operation to a California-based global manufacturer.

The West Midland group advised Cha Technologies Group on the sale of Cosmotec Nonwovens to Airtech Advanced Materials Group.

Headpoint advised Cha Technologies, a Switzerlandheadquartered global conglomerate with diversified interests across property, technology, textiles, financial services, and healthcare, on the sale of its UK-based subsidiary, Cosmotec Nonwovens.

Cosmotec is a specialist manufacturer of needle-punch and air-bonded nonwoven textiles, operating from an eight-acre facility in Blackburn – an historic centre for UK textile manufacturing.

Airtech Advanced Materials Group is a global manufacturer headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, with operations across the US, Europe, and Asia. The group serves a broad range of industries, including aerospace, composites, automotive, and defence.

Cosmotec will become part of Airtech’s global platform, enhancing

its nonwoven manufacturing capabilities and presence in Europe.

The acquisition gives Airtech access to Cosmotec’s niche product expertise and short lead times, strengthening its ability to support customers across key industrial sectors. The integration is expected to deliver immediate synergies and broaden Airtech’s product portfolio.

Cosmotec’s products serve a variety of end markets, including geotextiles, filtration, construction, and automotive. The transaction marks a strategic milestone for both parties, reinforcing Airtech’s growth

strategy in specialist materials and enabling Cosmotec to scale its reach through Airtech’s global footprint.

Jacques Boubal, CEO of Cha Technologies Group, said: “Headpoint assisted us in this process with great professionalism and delivered a successful sale of Cosmotec to an ideal international strategic buyer in Airtech. Communication with Headpoint was always constructive, and the team was readily available and responsive to our needs, driving the deal to completion.”

Keep on rolling: The newly installed unit

Strong player: Nonwoven manufacturing in operation

Freeths named Law Firm of the Year

Freeths, who have offices in Birmingham, have received the accolade of Law firm of the Year at the national City AM Awards 2025, partly for their work representing sub-postmasters in the Post Office scandal.

And it comes less than a year after being awarded Law firm of the Year at the Legal Business Awards.

Marking City AM’s 20th anniversary this year, these significant awards represent one of the biggest and most keenly anticipated events in the business calendar, powered by a panel of incredible judges and offering recognition to the very best companies and leaders in the UKwhether they’re based in the city or across the country.

As a Certified B Corporation, Freeths was recognised among the leading firms in London’s business and financial community.

Following a rigorous selection process, judges cited the business’ ongoing work on the Post

Office litigation, representing the sub postmasters in their fight for justice and supporting the victims of the Horizon scandal in gaining compensation.

The firm was also recognised for its consistent year-on-year double-digit growth, with revenue surpassing £160m for the first time in 2025.

Managing partner Philippa Dempster said: “What a year for Freeths. This win is such an incredible achievement and it’s a privilege to be included by the prestigious City AM within the London business and financial elite.

“Our lawyers persistently demonstrate an enviable tenacity through their leading work for clients. It’s this which I believe has truly shone through and clinched this accomplishment. With a culture devoted to inspiring our colleagues, clients and communities, this win motivates us to keep pushing the boundaries.”

Support: The Davisons Law team who ran the Stafford Half Marathon and raised funds for the charity in the process

Davisons Law joins club to support leukaemia research

One of the UK’s prominent legal practices has become members of Club 10, a groundbreaking initiative launched by Cure Leukaemia to fund vital clinical trials for children battling blood cancer.

Davisons Law, which employs over 470 staff across 17 locations throughout England and Wales, has pledged £10,000 per year to support the ATICUS Paediatric Transplant Trials Network, joining a select group of founding corporate supporters.

Darryl Wilkes, equity director for Davisons Law, said: "We are

incredibly proud to become one of the first members of Club 10.

“As our chosen charity of the year, Cure Leukaemia's mission to advance treatments for blood cancer patients resonates deeply with our values.

“Being part of this pioneering initiative that directly supports children's clinical trials across the country is both an honour and a responsibility we take very seriously."

The ATICUS Network is a pioneering collaboration between 11 leading UK Children’s Hospitals to revolutionise clinical trial

access for children battling blood cancer.

There are two new world-first trials that are ready to open, but require Cure Leukaemia Research Nurses to open, which is why funding the ATICUS network is vital.

Cure Leukaemia’s business development manager Bhupinder Dhillon said: “We are thrilled to welcome Davisons Law as a Club 10 member. Their continued support of Cure Leukaemia is invaluable in advancing the ATICUS network's mission across the West Midlands and the UK.”

Firm is backing biodiversity efforts

Mills & Reeve is making a significant investment in a longterm biodiversity partnership with Midlands-based Small Woods Association.

This initiative is part of the law firm’s “Achieving more for nature’s recovery” programme, where Mills & Reeve supports the biodiversity efforts of organisations passionate about nature, restoration and giving back to the community.

Small Woods is a charity funded through its membership, grants and corporate support, like that of Mills & Reeve.

It is dedicated to promoting wildlife conservation in sites such as Edge Wood which is rich with ash, oak and hazel and hosts a variety of flora and fauna.

At Edge Wood, biodiversity is enhanced through a traditional management technique known as coppicing, historically practiced on the site for hundreds of years. By cutting the hazel in cycles, a diverse suite of species associated with these woodlands is supported.

The impact of their work extends beyond environmental benefits, providing new opportunities for people in the community.

Jessica Wilkes-Ball, head of sustainability and net zero at Mills & Reeve, said: “The impact of Small Woods’ work is evident. Our investment will help to expand these efforts, and underscores Mills & Reeve’s commitment to preserving biodiversity and supporting local communities.”

Tenacious lawyers: Philippa Dempster

Families facing rising tax bills

A house bought in Birmingham in 2024 is six times more likely to result in families being hit by inheritance tax than in 2009, when the levy was first frozen at £325,000 – research by law firm Shakespeare Martineau has revealed.

Analysis of the Land Registry’s price paid data shows that in 2009, three per cent of all property purchases (284 out of 8,663) in Birmingham cost £325,000 or more. However, in 2024, this rose to 20 per cent (1,623 out of 8,004). Of all the regions in England and Wales, Wales experienced the largest growth over the past 15 years, with 18 per cent of properties sold in 2024 costing £325,000 or more, compared with four per cent in 2009.

Julia Rosenbloom, private wealth tax partner at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “With property values steadily rising and the inheritance tax threshold frozen until at least 2030, more families are facing significant tax bills when passing down wealth.

“However, there are several strategies that can help mitigate this burden. Making use of taxefficient structures such as trusts or family investment companies can ensure assets are passed down in a controlled and tax-effective manner.”

Lesley Davis, private client partner at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “As estate values continue to rise while the inheritance tax threshold remains static, there is more for families to fight over.

“Additionally, it provides an incentive to leave a greater proportion of the estate to charity to benefit from a reduced rate of inheritance tax or a spouse or civil partner as those gifts will not attract inheritance tax. Despite being a tax-efficient thing to do, it can create more disputes.”

New lease of life for former police station

Willenhall Police Station is to be transformed into new apartments after Solihull Chamber of Commerce member KWB commercial property agents, acting on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Midlands, secured a deal.

Located on John Street in Willenhall, the property has been sold to Young Properties for more than the asking price.

Young Properties now plans to refurbish the station and transform the building into 19

contemporary, one- and twobedroom apartments, alongside a private, communal garden for new residents. The plans include affordable rental options.

‘Willenhall Police Station is ideal for residential development’

Martin Cook, director at KWB, said: “Willenhall Police Station is ideal for residential development and, as such, we’re delighted to

Call to review 1950s tenancy legislation

A leading commercial property lawyer is warning landlords about the hurdles they face when taking back possession from a tenant with a protected lease – and urged them to seek legal advice to avoid falling foul of the law.

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 was introduced after the Second World War to redress the relationship balance between landlords and tenants in commercial premises. The Law Commission concluded a consultation into the Act earlier this year and is now considering the responses it has received.

However, Phil Hunt, a senior associate in the commercial property team at Midlands law firm mfg Solicitors, said: “Many now believe the pendulum has swung too far in favour of tenants and landlords can find it difficult to remove protected tenants. There have been calls to review this 1950s piece of legislation, with some arguing that it no longer reflects the modern market.”

He said four models were being considered. The first would see the Act effectively abolished, leaving tenants with no security of tenure, while the second option involves both parties “opting in” to a tenure agreement.

The third option of a “contracting out” regime would retain the status quo and give tenants security of tenure by default, while the fourth option would make security of tenure mandatory, offering the highest form of tenant protection.

have secured a deal with Young Properties that will see muchneeded new homes delivered in the local area.”

The new homes will be within walking distance of a range of community facilities, including bus stops, supermarkets and restaurants.

KWB has experienced great success with marketing properties across the region on behalf of West Midlands Police, having previously agreed deals for police stations at Shirley, Kingstanding , Brownhills and Walsall.

Reducing burden: Julia Rosenbloom

Tenants favoured: Phil Hunt

Fair cop: The police station at Willenhall that is to be transformed

Funding supports apprentices

A scheme set up by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to help cover the costs of apprenticeship training for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has now funded more than 5,000 apprentices.

Over 2,500 businesses have benefited from around £51m of pledged donations from larger, levy paying companies, through the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Fund.

The scheme has seen some of the UK's biggest businesses cover 100 per cent of the training cost of apprentices for SMEs.

They do this by donating their unspent apprenticeship levy, which is charged annually by government, to the WMCA rather than giving it back to HM Revenue and Customs.

Since the Mayor came into office in May 2024, 12 large employersHSBC, Amazon, Compass Group, Lloyds Banking Group, Birmingham

City Council, Dudley MBC, Sandwell Council, Coventry Council, National Express, Wesleyan, University of Warwick and the BBC - have donated nearly £3.8m, supporting 216 SMEs and 563 apprentices.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, launched a pledge in June last year to create 20,000 work experience, training and apprenticeship places as part of his Jobs for Everyone Priority and to tackle unemployment in the region which in some areas is twice the national average.

The Mayor is encouraging even more SMEs to recruit apprentices by taking advantage of the scheme.

He said: “Not long after becoming Mayor, I met Ky, who told me how he turned his life around after someone recognised his potential, helping him land an apprenticeship in construction.

“Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for people to get the skills they need to pursue the career they dream of – just like Ky did. Through the Apprenticeship Levy Scheme, we've secured £51m of funding and opened up 5,000 opportunities for our residents.

‘Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for people to get the skills they need’

“It’s a great scheme for our businesses too - helping them to attract future talent, upskill their existing workforce and help them grow - now and in the future.”

Those SMEs accessing the scheme see their training costs reduced to zero, enabling them to reinvest that money into recruiting

A green-fingered approach

to helping women’s

refuges

additional apprentices or increasing apprenticeship pay to attract more candidates.

The Mayor has also hit an ambitious target to give at least 55,000 people vital job skills or training during his first year in office.

Mr Parker set the target after being elected in May last year as part of his commitment to help thousands move into work, change careers or upskill – in sectors like construction, digital and green industries.

The Mayor’s “Jobs for Everyone” priority involves investing in jobs, skills, training and apprenticeships so that everyone has the opportunity to secure a job that pays well.

For more details about theis and the apprentices scheme go to: wmca.org.ok

It was devised by Zoe Lewis (pictured), CEO of The Leadership Coaches, and she said: “I want business to give back in real ways to communities that are often overlooked. That’s why charitable giving has been built into our business model from day one.

“Since we began, we’ve donated over £13,000 to causes that align with our values. One of the organisations we support is the Women’s Environmental Network (Wen), a UK charity working at the intersection of gender and environmental justice.

“Our contribution helped support Soil Sisters, one of Wen’s grassroots programmes that brings therapeutic gardening into women’s refuges.”

The Soil Sisters programme supported women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. It offers a safe and nurturing space in which to grow food, learn new skills, and find a sense of peace through working with the land.

Zoe added: “It is about much more than gardening. It is about rebuilding confidence, restoring agency, and creating community.

“The report from Wen shared some of the simple but powerful outcomes our donation helped enable. Two refuge gardens received nutrient-rich mulch made from repurposed mushroom growing materials, helping crops survive through summer. Seeds were purchased and sown. Women and children were able to harvest leafy greens like spinach and chard, boosting nutrition through the colder months.

“A group from one of the refuges also visited Mudchute City Farm. For many of the children, it was their first visit to a farm. The excitement was clear and the impact lasting. Over coffee and chips in the café, the group shared ideas about what they would like to grow next.

“It was a day of lightness and joy in lives often marked by uncertainty.”

Zoe said The Leadership Coaches, based in Evesham, aimed to help women rebuild their lives. “I believe strongly in the power of women in leadership, not only in the workplace, but in their own communities and families.”

Training tech talent with TDM

Organisations looking to invest in the next generation of marketing and tech talent are being encouraged to act fast, with key start dates approaching for degree-level apprenticeships offered by The Development Manager (TDM).

The next cohort begins this month, with further flexible summer start dates available in July, August and September.

TDM is offering two programmes: the BA (Hons) Digital Marketing Management and the BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship.

Both are designed to provide structured career development pathways, equipping learners with the practical skills and academic foundation needed to thrive in fast-evolving industries.

The programmes are validated by Staffordshire University, ensuring academic rigour alongside real-world application.

Aimed at upskilling earlycareer professionals and nurturing future business leaders, the apprenticeships offer a cost-effective way for employers to develop internal talent while keeping pace with digital transformation.

Council in call for customer service testers

Birmingham City Council is calling on local businesses to help shape the future of customer service by taking part in user testing for its new Voice Automation and chatbot technology.

The council hopes it will be a key step towards faster, more efficient support for services such as business rates, billing, payments, and Business Improvement Districts (BID) levy enquiries.

These digital tools are designed to help residents and businesses resolve common queries more quickly, freeing up council agents to focus on complex cases.

But to ensure the technology is accessible, intuitive, and genuinely

helpful, the council says it is working closely with its user research team to gather insights directly from the people who use the services.

‘We want to hear from business users themselves’

The council is inviting businesses to take part in short 30-minute research sessions, either via Microsoft Teams or in person. During the session, participants will walk through realistic scenarios using the new voice and chatbot features.

Students to benefit from new software

Aston University has signed an agreement to provide students and staff access to Autodesk’s world-leading “Design and Make” software to help them bring their design ideas to life.

Autodesk’s software will form part of the new engineering and physical sciences curriculum framework at Aston University, which will be available to students starting September 2025.

This custom curriculum will embed the industry-grade software into teaching and learning, preparing students for careers such as architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, media and entertainment.

This initiative complements the university’s partnerships with Design Factory Birmingham (DFB) and Adobe Creative Campus, enabling students to learn about design innovation with industry in DFB, realise creative outputs with Adobe and then transform those ideas into tangible realities using Autodesk.

Aston University is the first in the UK to establish this trio of partnerships to offer students a fully integrated design and innovation ecosystem.

Professor Aleks Subic, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Aston University, said: “Our collaboration with Autodesk illustrates how Aston University provides an industry-embedded education by giving our students the experience of a 21st century work environment.”

The team will observe how the system responds, assess ease of use, and gather honest feedback.

Councillor Saima Suleman, Birmingham City Council cabinet member for digital, culture, heritage and tourism said: “As part of our customer services strategy, we’re developing new technology to improve our interactions with

residents and businesses alike – but it’s vital we get it right. We want to hear from business users themselves. Their feedback will help us refine how the system works, identify pain points, and improve the experience before launch.”

To register your interest email donna.roberts@birmingham.gov.uk

Cooper Parry marks latest acquisition

Cooper Parry has increased its footprint in the digital and tech space with the acquisition of consultancy 3RP, an Oracle NetSuite Partner of the Year (2023 and 2024).

The deal brings the UK and Philippines-based firm alongside three other recent acquisitions within Cooper Parry DigitalMacroFin (NetSuite), Cloud Orca (Salesforce) and Front Foot (Data & Market Intelligence).

Collectively, the multi-award winning MacroFin and 3RP teams have completed the most NetSuite implementations across Europe in the last three years.

Two weeks after partnering with New York-based Lee Equity, this deal further extends the firm’s NetSuite capability.

The 3RP team will dovetail alongside MacroFin to further extend the firm’s offer to CFOs.

Elliott Keene, 3RP co-founder and director said: “Our ethos has always been the same – offer world-class NetSuite implementation services and consultancy. We were instantly attracted by Cooper Parry’s ambitions and their focus on a terrific culture. Joining Cooper Parry allows the team to continue to grow and thrive in an even larger customer base.”

Cooper Parry CEO Ade Cheatham said: “The talented 3RP team have created an outstanding business. We’re thrilled to welcome them into Cooper Parry as we carry on powering our next gen professional services vision.”

Professor Aleks Subic, Mary Hope McQuiston (vice-president, Autodesk education experiences) and Dr Timothy Whitehead

3RP co-founders (left to right): Jon Dent, Julian Griffiths, Elliott Keene and Adam Johnson

New classical season announced

Sir Simon Rattle will be bringing the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra to Symphony Hall as part of the venue’s classical season.

The former musical director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra makes a homecoming appearance with his new worldleading orchestra on 11 November. It’s 20 years since the orchestra last came to Birmingham and, since Rattle took the reins in 2023, they say he’s “blown fresh air under the wings of all of us”. The concert at Symphony Hall is one of just three dates on their first UK tour.

The new Symphony Hall season will showcase some of the pinnacles of orchestral music as well as newer discoveries. There will be a host of world class soloists, orchestras and conductors taking to the iconic Symphony Hall stage.

B:Music will continue its mission to reach new audiences across the West Midlands and beyond by offering tickets at £15 for every concert and, for most, the top price ticket is £40. B:Music is proud to continue to offer significant discounts to help make Birmingham Classical accessible to all.

Chief executive Nick Reed said, “Our new Birmingham Classical season brings a European tour of the finest orchestras, along with terrific soloists and exciting Rising Stars, right here to Symphony Hall.”

The 2025/26 Birmingham Classical season draws to a close with a performance by the Warsaw Philharmonic and the trailblazing pianist Alexandra Dariescu.

Tickets are available from www.bmusic.co.uk/bclassical

Kathryn joins theatre board

Kathryn Marten, chief development officer at the National Theatre, has been appointed to the board of the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust Ltd.

Kathryn, who grew up in the East Midlands and read English Literature at the University of Kent, spent six years at English National Opera and served as a trustee of the Bush Theatre 2016-2022.

She is passionate about world-class theatre being available to audiences across the UK and believes that the UK's mix of private and public support for culture is what drives a healthy and ambitious culture of inclusivity and access

Sounds and soul food on offer at JQ pub

A favourite Jewellery Quarter pub is bringing summer beats to Albion Square this spring, having joined forces with a host of Brummie DJ legends to host a dinner and DJ experience every Saturday.

The family-run Temper and Brown on Albion Street will showcase the city’s most renowned DJ talent including Jim Shaft Ryan, Phil Gifford and DJ Dick, each Saturday, with sets running from 6pm to 10.30pm.

Owner Roifield Brown came up with the idea after reminiscing with regulars over the city's clubbing scene in its heyday and realising there was a demand to recapture that musical magic in the relaxed surroundings of the community pub.

Roifield said: “Jim, Phil and Dick were the heroes of the late-night circuit back in the day and will be very familiar names to those who were active on the

Britpop Battle comes to the Rep stage

Birmingham Rep has announced a world premiere production of The Battle – the first stage play by screenwriter and Sunday Times best-selling novelist John Niven.

The play is a new comedy based mostly on real events - reliving the heady summer of 1995 when heavyweights of Britpop, Blur and Oasis, went head-tohead in the greatest chart battle of all time.

Directed by Matthew Dunster, The Battle opens at Birmingham Rep on Wednesday 11 February, 2026, ahead of a major UK tour before the West End.

Co-producer and artistic director of the Birmingham Rep Joe Murphy said: “Bringing the world premiere of The Battle to The Rep is genuinely so exciting. This chart battle rocked the nation and quite literally defined a generation and I already know that our audiences are going to have the time of their lives being taken back to the rivalries, the chaos and the big personalities that made it all so unforgettable.”

From the chaos of the Brit Awards to the infamous chart war, The Battle is a wickedly funny dive into one of the greatest rivalries in rock history.

Birmingham clubbing scene in the 90s and 00s at Moneypenny’s, Wobble and Snobs.

“Many of our guests were in their 20s then and have now reached an age where they still want to enjoy great music but in a more chilled out and comfortable setting and accompanied with some banging food served alongside the nostalgic beats.

“We’ve become famous for our freshly prepared Caribbean street food – punchy flavours and colourful dishes served up by Esmie’s Caribbean Fusion.

“This is a really unique opportunity to experience Birmingham’s foundational club DJ legends in the intimate surroundings of Temper and Brown while enjoying a top-quality dinner.”

For more details go to: temperandbrown.com

Featuring legendary personalities and unforgettable clashes, it was never just about the music, but power, pride, and uncontrollable competitiveness.

Audience can expect filthy language and razor-sharp dialogue in this cut-throat new comedy that puts you right at the heart of the feuding, the fame, and the fallout.

Writer John Niven said: “1995: a time long before music splintered into a billion different Tik Tok feeds.

“When music was so central to the culture that two pop groups could dominate the entire summer, the evening news and the front page of every newspaper in the country.”

Vintage: Resident DJ Jack in full swing at Temper and Brown

The Business of Sport

Aston Villa Foundation to host charity five-a-side

‘Over the last 35-years, Aston Villa’s community work has catered to the needs of residents, community members and fans’

This is the trophy that will go to the winners of Aston Villa Foundation’s first “Corporate Cup” five-a-side tournament taking place at the club’s Inner-City Academy next month.

For a donation of £600 to the foundation, teams will receive:

• An opportunity to play at Aston Villa’s InnerCity Academy venue on the full-size 3G pitch.

• A visit from a special guest throughout the day.

• Trophy presentation and buffet in Legends Lounge at Villa Park.

• The opportunity to obtain signed Aston Villa merchandise in a raffle draw

The tournament will take place on Friday, 18 July, between noon and 4pm.

Following the event, the winners will be presented with the trophy at an exclusive celebration event 4-6pm in the Legends Lounge at Villa Park.

To find out more and secure a team’s entry, contact fundraising lead Paisley Jeavons at paisley.jeavons@avfc.co.uk

The Aston Villa Foundation is a registered charity that delivers the community and charity work of Aston Villa Football Club.

Over the last 35 years, Aston Villa’s community work has catered to the needs of residents,

Shirt partner for Bears Women

Midlands theme park Drayton Manor Resort has joined Bears Women for the ride in their debut season after signing a shirt sponsorship deal.

Drayton Manor Resort has agreed a one-year partnership to be a shirt collar sponsor on both the team’s Vitality Blast and Metro Bank One Day Cup shirts.

The deal – the final shirt sponsor contract for Bears Women’s historic 2025 season – will also see Drayton Manor Resort and Edgbaston Stadium work together on fan engagement initiatives at games this summer.

Edgbaston’s head of partnerships Ben Seifas said: “We are delighted to welcome Drayton Manor Resort into the Edgbaston family as an official partner of Bears Women.

“It represents an exciting alignment of two iconic Midlands brands, both committed to delivering unforgettable experiences and championing excellence.

“With Drayton Manor’s support, we’re looking forward to continuing the momentum behind women’s cricket and creating new opportunities to inspire the next generation of fans and players.”

community members and fans, laying the foundations for Aston Villa’s presence in the local community today.

They work with children and young adults both within the immediate areas surrounding Villa Park and the wider Birmingham population, providing a holistic landscape of opportunities to support them on their life journey.

To keep up to date with the Aston Villa Foundation on social media go to @AVFCFoundation,or visit www.avfc.co.uk/foundation

over:

Katie

Meg

and

new ride

Bears Women, including England bowler Katie George, Meg Austin and Hannah Hardwick, announced the partnership with a visit to Drayton Manor Resort – and a ride on the park’s new Gold Rush family rollercoaster.

Victoria Lynn, managing director of Drayton Manor Resort, said: “We’re proud to sponsor the Bears Women’s team in its inaugural year. There is a real synergy between our two outstanding brands, as we collectively seek to deliver epic family fun. We wish the team the very best of luck this season, and we look forward to welcoming the players and fans of the team into Drayton Manor over the summer as we celebrate our 75th anniversary.”

Bowled

Bears’

George,

Austin

Hannah Hardwick enjoy the thrills of Gold Rush, Drayton Manor’s

Chamber Insight

Focus on a member

Name: Mark Wilkinson Company: Norton Insurance Brokers

Job Title: Managing director

What does your company do?

We are an independent insurance broker offering classic car insurance through Heritage Classic Car Insurance, everyday insurance via Norton Personal and recentlylaunched Norton Commercial to support businesses with tailored insurance solutions, all backed by dedicated client managers.

How did it all start?

Back in 1965 when my father went rogue from Norwich Union and set up the business from his bedroom in Kings Norton – thus our name.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?

Creating a fully managed client service for our customers and repositioning the business. The last 20 years have been marked by a real decline in the quality of insurance provision in the personal lines industry and I feel we are on a mission to bring back good, honest, open and caring conversations with our customers to ensure they are properly protected.

What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken – and did it work out?

Classic car insurance was the mainstay of the business for 30 years but became less profitable as business costs increased. In 2018 we pivoted away from this area, slashing marketing spend and investing in cross selling other products to existing customers. It was a do or die stage for the business, but the client managed service we now offer is the largest section and fastest growing part of the business.

What keeps you awake at night?

What opportunities and risks AI presents, and how it will affect my business. Wider global political instability. My cat.

If you could turn the clock back, what would you do differently?

I should have invested more and earlier in the training and development of all people within the business.

What has surprised you most in your job?

By how resilient, committed and resourceful the team has been through some very challenging times.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Focus on your goals and avoid tempting distractions. Be brilliant, don’t settle for “just OK”. Hire exceptional people, better than you. Properly read and understand any contract before signing.

Which business do you most admire?

Brompton Bikes as they embody the best of British design, innovation and craftmanship while promoting health and sustainability.

What exciting projects is your business working on?

We have recently launched Norton Commercial Insurance as well as the UK’s first single and multiclassic car quote and buy system.

What made you join Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and how are you making use of your membership?

It’s nice to feel part of a wider local community that helps represent us in the local area and there are some networking opportunities that we are still unlocking.

Tel: 0121 246-9097

www.nortonib.co.uk

www.heritagecarinsurance.co.uk

New Members

Your guide to new sign-ups

Whatever your business size and requirements, the Chamber has a membership scale to suit your needs.

For more information visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/membership

1st Place Business Travel Limited

Isa Camara 07856 971923

1stplacebusinesstravel.co.uk

Travel agency activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Alpha Construction Ltd

Anthony Bamford 01283 733688

www.alphaconstruction.co.uk

Construction of other civil engineering projects n.e.c.

Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

Bettr Social

John Tsopanis 07488 853599

www.bettrsocial.co.uk

Business and domestic software

development

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Blueprint Tax

Rajh Chana 07710 822348

www.blueprinttax.co.uk

Tax consultancy

Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce

BRI Wealth Management PLC

Dan Boardman-Weston 01676 523550

www.brigroup.co.uk

Financial management

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Capture Events

Joel Braich 07432 623761

www.captureevents.co.uk

Event catering activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Chief Panda Limited

Richard Goodhead 07507 640158

General cleaning of buildings Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Colmore BID

Michele Wilby 0121 212 1410

www.colmorebusinessdistrict.com

Activities of business and employers

membership organisations

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

CTO Lighting Limited

Derek Bayfield 01384 881740

www.ctolighting.co.uk

Wholesale of furniture, carpets and lighting equipment

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Daniel Thwaites t/a The Bulls Head

Earlswood

Lucy Burrows 01564 700368

www.bullsheadearlswood.co.uk

Public houses and bars

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Ethero Ltd

Owen Robinson 01283 538571

www.ethero.co.uk

Temporary employment agency activities

Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

Global Sustainability & Inclusion

Centre of Excellence (GSI)

Fajli Bibi 07766 441447

Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c.

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Globility Coaching

Marina Ibrahim 07958 629220

www.globility-coaching.com

Management consultancy activities other than financial management

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Hannah Solicitors

sohib ilyas 0121 647 6437

www.hannahsolicitors.co.uk

Solicitors

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

HB & O Ltd

Molly Savage 0121 285 5562

www.hboltd.co.uk

Accounting and auditing activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Intrepid Associates

Caroline Egan 07778 620394

www.intrepidassociates.co.uk

Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c.

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Mercia Cleaning Services

Allan Ward 01827 830928

www.merciacleaningservices.co.uk

Specialised cleaning services

Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

MZ Photo and Drone Services Ltd

Mark Zaccaria 07866 522549

www.aerialphotographywork.co.uk

Other specialist photography

Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

NK Online Business Manager

Navpreet Kailey 07850 455801

www.navpreetkailey.com

Management consultancy activities other than financial management

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Peapell Financial Planning

Liz Peapell 07968 819187

www.peapellfinancialplanning.co.uk

Financial management

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Pertemps Network Group

Anna McGinty 01676 525000

www.pertemps.co.uk

Temporary employment agency activities

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Pharmasphere Ltd

MINESH KALYAN 07396 530015

www.pharmasphere.co.uk

Management consultancy activities other than financial management

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Premier Production LTD

Endija Zuika 0121 769 2051

www.premier-production.com

Support activities to performing arts

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

As the voice of local business since 1813, we strive to help firms across

Rhenus Logistics Limited

Roy Garrow 01543 384601

www.rhenus.group/uk/en

Freight transport by road Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce

Select Property

Hannah Rockcliffe Wrigley 07496 340297

www.selectproperty.com

Management of real estate on a fee or contract basis

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

SIFA Fireside

Robb Sheppard 0121 766 1700

www.sifafireside.co.uk

Other social work activities without accommodation n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Simpro Software Limited

David Taylor 0845 004 3978

www.simpro.co.uk

Business and domestic software development Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Stanfords Training Ltd

Baba Jaiteh 0121 633 8100

www.stanfordstraining.com

Post-secondary non-tertiary education

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Swani Consulting

Tina Swani 07815 105949

Management consultancy activities other than financial management

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

TechPro Events Limited

Matt Evans 01827 310750

www.techproevents.co.uk

Activities of conference organisers

Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

The Goat King Ravinder Ubhi 07813 697062

www.thegoatking.com

Licenced restaurants Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

The Orange Notebook Alina Stancu

07583 382696

www.theorangenotebook.co.uk

Other business support service activities n.e.c.

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

The Purple House Clinic

Danielle Grey 0121 420 7851

www.purplehouseclinic.co.uk/psycholog ists-birmingham

Specialists medical practice activities

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Trustist

Matt Black 07951 580028

www.trustist.com

Market research and public opinion polling

Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce

University of Wolverhampton

Sara Aslett 01902 321000

www.wlv.ac.uk

First-degree level higher education

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Velorim Group Ltd

Russ Taylor 020 3326 8505

www.velorim-group.com

Treatment and disposal of nonhazardous waste

Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce

Watertec Global Limited

Tariq Hussain 0121 682 2787

www.watertecglobal.com

Water collection, treatment and supply Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

WPA Healthcare Practice

Darron Blair 07494 986000 wpa.org.uk/darronblair

Non-life insurance

Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce

Write Impact

Sarah Fielding 07901 550580

www.WriteImpact.co.uk

Public relations and communications activities

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

...any other business

A roundup of news from Chamber members

Celebrate Birmingham Joe’s way

An official itinerary to celebrate the new Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham series has been launched, with the comedian and regional tourism experts promising that it is the ultimate, alternative way to experience the city.

The check list downloadable from visitbirmingham.com includes trying a balti in the city’s original Balti Triangle, experiencing the famous number 11 bus service and paying homage to Bird’s Custard in Digbeth.

The UK’s second city united with namesakes worldwide to launch the inaugural International Day of Birmingham.

Spearheaded by Brummie comedian Joe, the designated date of 24 September has been chosen for Birminghams worldwide to celebrate their heritage with a collective chant of “Alright Bab”.

“Friendship Agreements” have been built between Birmingham, UK, and namesake cities, towns and villages across North America as part of the initiative, forming the ‘United States of Birmingham’.

The inaugural celebration was marked by a civic reception, hosted by the lord mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Ken Wood, was joined by Lycett and other notable figures from Birmingham including members of legendary bands Black Sabbath, UB40 and Dexy’s Midnight Runners.

The new Sky Max series chronicles Joe’s mission to put his beloved home city on the global map by heading to North America, which has no fewer than 18 Birminghams.

Joe’s checklist of 10 Things You Need to Do in Birmingham, UK is:

• Listen to the United States of Birmingham playlist on the Black Sabbath Bridge

Blythe brews up new letting

Brew Twenty-Three has opened in Blythe Valley Park (BVP), taking a unit in the neighbourhood centre, which has been managed by IM Land, the strategic land arm of local developer, IM Properties.

IM Land retained the residential after IM Properties sold the business park element of BVP to Frasers Property in 2021.

Founded by Solihull-born Dayna Winter, Brew TwentyThree has become a local success story and has built a loyal following through its social media presence.

• Try a Balti in the original Balti Triangle

• Experience the whole outer circle on the number 11 bus

• Eat a Cadbury’s Curly Wurly by the Bull at the Bullring

• Say Alright Bab to someone under the Alright Bab sign in Colmore Square

• Honour Mr Egg in whichever way you choose

Mayor offers more funds to fix potholes

Six councils are to each get an extra £2m to help fill thousands of potholes and resurface roads across the West Midlands.

The £12m funding – enough to fill 132,000 potholeswill be shared between Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton for their current road maintenance and repair programmes.

It will also pay for new low-carbon surface treatments, developed and tested in the West Midlands, which will be applied to roads to extend their lifespan and reduce carbon emissions.

The six councils were initially allocated £24m for road maintenance this year. Since then, West Midland mayor Richard Parker has secured an extra £20m - doubling the road maintenance budgets for the six councils.

• Admire the Queen Mother’s Pen at the Pen Museum in the Jewellery Quarter

• Enjoy a cob by the canal

• Pay homage to the founder of Bird’s Custard in Digbeth

• Pledge allegiance to the United States of Birmingham under the USB flag at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

Limited life: One of the West Midlands potholes

All aboard: Joe Lycett tours “the greatest place on earth”