Birmingham will outline how it is creating the physical and economic environment needed to attract investment despite current fiscal challenges, as part of its comprehensive events schedule at MIPIM 2012 (6 – 9 March, Cannes, France). 

Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme operated by Marketing Birmingham, is managing the city’s presence that will be supported by a delegation drawn from across the public and private sectors – which includes 18 of the city’s leading companies. 

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: 

In these economically challenging times, cities are competing for investment more fiercely than ever before. By truly understanding the pressures on investors and what they need to achieve a competitive return on their investment, Birmingham is attracting attention."           

From major public/private sector collaboration on regeneration projects, such as Icknield Port Loop and the clarity of the city’s development pipeline through the Big City Plan; to the creation of industry clusters and support for entrepreneurs through the city centre Enterprise Zone, Birmingham can demonstrate its commitment to creating the physical and economic environment needed for long term, sustainable growth.”                                                       

The city’s events programme involves 14 events and nearly 20 speakers across the four-day property show. A number of private sector partners are participating in the programme, designed to engage developers and companies looking to invest in the city. 

Events range from discussions of Birmingham’s innovative city centre based Enterprise Zone and the regeneration it is expected to unlock; to the impact of the approved high speed rail link to the capital and Airport runway extension – which will boost Birmingham’s credentials as a location for European headquarters. Analyses of the city’s regeneration agenda, including developments such as Paradise Circus, will be complemented by an in-depth look at Birmingham’s growing visitor economy and its success in attracting major new hotel developments to the area. 

Cllr Whitby added: 

The event programme has been designed to give potential investors an insight into the vision, developments and plans that are fuelling Birmingham’s growing profile as an international business destination."      

 There is a formidable amount of activity happening in Birmingham right now to excite and attract investors; the most ambitious multi-billion pound package of transport investment the city has ever seen, the creation of Europe’s largest public library, and the UK’s only major City Centre Enterprise Zone – which is driving forward some of the country’s most exciting regeneration schemes.”                                                                                                                         

Global investors are recognising Birmingham’s offer. In 2011, Birmingham attracted the most FDI by value of any UK regional city, while the latest Mercer Quality of Living global survey highlighted the city as the most attractive UK regional city for quality of life. 

Nick Payne, Managing Director, Nikal, said: 

Birmingham has a strong story to tell. Despite the economic climate by 2015 the city will have a £600 million redeveloped transport hub in New Street station, a £65 million runway extension at Birmingham Airport, the largest public library in the UK and will be nearing construction of a high speed rail link to the capital – which will bring us closer to our continental and international neighbours."

Our message at MIPIM is clearly that there is much going on in Birmingham, and this is reflected in our Masshouse development. With 340 residential units now complete and planning consent in place for a further 600,000 sq ft of office accommodation, Birmingham’s new Magistrates Court, and up to 200 hotel rooms, Masshouse truly represents the city’s appetite for renewed growth and confidence."

With the partnership of the city’s public and private sectors, the support structure is in place for investors to come and be a part of the next stage in Birmingham’s continued evolution.”                                                                                                                                               

Following the success of the city’s public/private collaborative presence at last year’s event, 18 private sector partners are joining Business Birmingham to promote the city at MIPIM, which offers a rare opportunity to engage senior influencers from the global investment and developer community. 

In 2011, Birmingham showcased its lead on sustainable city planning and green building developments, highlighting its expertise in delivering high quality low carbon schemes cost effectively. This focus capitalised on the industry’s growing concern with the green agenda and helped the city engage more than 900 potential investors, with many developing into strong investment leads, and achieve £500,000 worth of positive media coverage for the city – building its profile as an investment location. 

The partners supporting Birmingham’s MIPIM presence in 2012 include: Argent, Nikal, Birmingham Airport, Centro, Bruntwood, Carillion, Drivers Jonas Deloitte, Glenn Howells Architects, GVA, Jaguar Land Rover, Rider Levett Bucknall, Willmott Dixon, Fazeley Studios, British Waterways, Hines & Moorfield and Birmingham City Council.  

The latest West Midlands PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) report by Lloyds TSB Commercial also said that job creation levels have reached a four-month high while input prices rose at their weakest rate for two-and-a-half years.

David Garbutt, area director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in the West Midlands, said:

January's PMI figures signalled a promising start to 2012 for the West Midlands economy. Private sector output rose at the fastest pace for 21 months, propelling the region to the top of the UK regional growth rankings. With firms reporting a marked expansion in incoming new business, supported by improved client demand, job creation in the region received a boost, and employment increased at the fastest rate across the whole of the UK in the latest month."

The headline index number - which tracks the combined output of the region's manufacturing and service sectors – was at 58.8 for January, up from 54.0 in the previous month.

In 2012 Ernst & Young’s prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year awards are returning to the Midlands.

For the first time in seven years the Midlands will have its own ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in Birmingham on June 19 to celebrate the best entrepreneurial talent the region has to offer.

Entrepreneur Of The Year recognises the passion and drive behind entrepreneurial businesses whether private or listed, family-owned, socially-orientated or private equity backed, across all commercial and industrial sectors and at any stage of a business’s development.

Events on the programme include Masterclasses with past Entrepreneur Of The Year winners and the opportunity to build networks with peers and independent judges from leading UK business.

Midlands businesses have had great success over the years - Hilary Devey, star of BBC’s Dragons’ Den and founder of Pall-Ex, John Cauldwell, who launched Phones4U, Dr Kevin Hard, CEO of EvoEnergy, Jim McArthy of Poundland and Garry Metcalfe of Inviron are just some of the region’s entrepreneurs to have won awards.

Ernst & Young partner Adrian Roberts said: 

We are delighted to welcome the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards back to our region this year. Entrepreneurs are the life-blood of our economy and we know there are many excellent examples of entrepreneurial success happening across the Midlands despite the difficult economic conditions. The awards have a great history and they provide a powerful opportunity to showcase talent, raise personal profiles and network with finalists past and present.”

This year the UK awards will recognise those who have helped boost employment, turned around struggling businesses and led the way in both innovation and exports. There will also be a new private equity category and an international award. The awards will see finalists judged in a regional ceremony during June culminating in the national final in October, with the winner going on to compete in the world Entrepreneur Of The Year finals in Monte Carlo next spring. The closing date for applications is 2 March 2012.

To enter the competition entrepreneurs must be the leader of a business that has its chief operations incorporated in the UK, for at least two years as of 1 January 2012.

Adrian added: 

Last year’s 42 UK finalists were responsible for combined annual revenue of £7 billion and collectively created new jobs at a rate of 20 per cent. Given the backdrop of stunted economic growth, startling figures like this clearly demonstrate why we believe the efforts of entrepreneurs should be actively supported and celebrated.”

If you know somebody who deserves an award for their entrepreneurial talent please visit www.ey.com/uk to nominate them.

L - R Ernst & Young’s Midlands partner sponsor of Entrepreneur Of The Year Adrian Roberts, David Suddens CEO of R Griggs, Sara Fowler Ernst & Young’s senior partner in the Midlands. 

Over 80 businesses from manufacturing and engineering backgrounds recently gathered at the impressive new Manufacturing Technology Centre at Ansty Park, the perfect setting to inspire cutting edge applied research. Delegates listened to a number of initiatives designed to reduce the costs of research and development and ultimately boost growth. 

Perhaps the most persuasive presentation came from Mr Greg Hall, Managing Director of Fusion Innovations ltd, a company with considerable experience of working in collaboration with the University of Birmingham, spoke of the increased success in receiving funding support if a company’s idea had been validated by a leading expert in the field, such as a university. 

To close the event, delegates were treated to a tour of the MTC for a glimpse of the £40 million ambitious project to create a world-class manufacturing research centre. 

This event is one of many organised by the Science City Research Alliance (SCRA) project looking at Next Generation Advanced Materials. The Advanced Materials programme has expertise to cover everything from materials synthesis, analysis and characterisation through to processing and device fabrication. 

 Professor Chris McConville, The New Director of SCRA said: 

I was delighted to see such a large number of SME's represented at the meeting. It was an excellent opportunity to discuss how Government backed initiatives supported by Universities can offer affordable access to leading edge scientific research to companies across the West Midlands region”. 

For more information please contact Tim Yates, Marketing Officer, Research and Commercial Services, University of Birmingham, 0121 414 8635  

The Airport has worked in partnership with npower to install the 50kpw solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to provide renewable green energy on-site as it reduces its dependency on mains power electricity.

This is the first renewable energy and zero carbon installation on the Airport site and is part of a wider project to improve its energy management and reduce its carbon footprint.

The solar PV panels capture the sun’s energy using photovoltaic cells, which then convert the sunlight into electricity and even on cloudy days can still produce some electricity, making it incredibly efficient. The system also generates no greenhouse gases, helping Birmingham Airport reduce its carbon footprint.

Paul Kehoe, the Airport’s CEO, said: 

It’s exciting for the Airport to present such a visible commitment to energy reduction. Managing our greenhouse gas emissions is a high priority for the company and we’re always seeking new opportunities to work with partners to reduce our carbon footprint.”

As a leading provider of solar PV in the UK for commercial properties, npower was selected to carry out the installation in partnership with Photon Energy. From initial meetings in October, npower was able to complete full site surveys, detailed designs, installation and commissioning in just over six weeks, ensuring the Airport could immediately benefit from the green energy. As a result, there has already been a reduction in energy consumption since the panels were installed in December.

Graham Ryott, Development Manager at npower, added: 

Birmingham Airport is committed to a sustainable future so installing solar PV as a way of generating energy is fundamental to its ongoing programme in reducing its environmental impact. As one of the busiest Airports in the country, Birmingham is understandably a large energy user but supplementing its energy use with on-site generation is a positive step for the site’s future and npower is delighted to be involved.”

An added incentive of solar PV is the Government’s Feed-in-Tariffs (FITs), which provide payment to the companies for every unit of electricity generated by solar PV panels.*

For more information about Birmingham Airport and its environmental programmes, please visit the website.

The team is targeting both the East and West coasts – starting with a visit to New York at the end of February, meeting businesses and inward investment specialists to highlight how Birmingham is an attractive location for US companies as a gateway to the rest of the UK and Europe. This will be followed by attendance at the Games Developers Conference (GDC), the world’s largest game industry event for professionals, in San Francisco.

GDC (5-9 March) attracts more than 19,000 attendees, and is the primary forum for delegates involved in the development of interactive games – such as programmers, artists, producers and game designers – to exchange ideas and shape the future of the industry.

Sarah Darch, investment manager at Business Birmingham, says:

We are attending GDC to showcase the strong gaming sector in Birmingham, the Black County and Solihull, which is home to 21 per cent of the UK games workforce and contributes more than £2 billion of GVA to the economy. Birmingham has significant experience in attracting businesses from the digital media sector – such as Sega and Microsoft’s Rare Games studio – and we want to develop this existing cluster into a much larger industry for the region to create new jobs.

We will be talking to companies that are interested in setting up a base in the UK, and highlighting the exciting developments taking place in the area – such as the benefits offered by Birmingham city centre’s Enterprise Zone, including rates relief and superfast broadband, and the connectivity provided by HS2 and Birmingham Airport’s runway extension.”

The strong relationship between the US and UK will play a crucial role in encouraging local economic growth; with a number of US-based businesses looking to set up departments overseas, Business Birmingham is continuing to raise the city’s international profile to make the most of these opportunities.

More than 350 North American companies, including Microsoft, Motorola and Kraft Foods, provide employment for 60,000 people in the Birmingham area.

The Willmott Dixon ‘Centre for Skills’ has been set up by the company’s repair and maintenance arm Willmott Dixon Partnerships, which is responsible for the upkeep of 60,000 properties in Birmingham.

The Centre will provide training in a number of key areas for up to 2,000 people per year, including Willmott Dixon’s own staff who work in hundreds of Birmingham properties each week, with courses ranging from one-day programmes to four-year apprenticeships.

Students will learn a range of subjects including technical trade skills, emerging technologies, health and safety, supervisor skills and energy efficiency, as well as employability skills such as IT and CV writing. A series of community programmes and DIY sessions will also be run at the Centre.

The Centre will provide career enhancing qualifications such as NVQs and accreditation on the Construction Skills Certification Scheme. Willmott Dixon will also work with City & Guilds and the British Plumbing Enterprise Council (BPEC), after it became one of the first construction companies approved as a registered BPEC training centre provider.

The facility will be open to colleges, community groups and local residents, as well as Willmott Dixon employees.

The initiative underlines Willmott Dixon’s committment to Birmingham where it employs nearly 1,000 people and is responsible for the long-term repairs and maintenance of 60,000 properties for Birmingham City Council, as well as being main contractor on phase one of Birmingham City University’s new City Centre Campus.

It is being backed by the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) learning fund and Action for Employment (A4E). Willmott Dixon is also looking to work with Birmingham City Council’s employment access team and other partners such as Jobcentre Plus.

Rick Willmott, Group Chief Executive of Willmott Dixon, will announce the plans for the Centre for Skills at the firm’s annual ‘Investing in Birmingham’ reception in Birmingham tonight.

He said: 

The Centre for Skills will deliver the technical skills we require as a business and will support our commitment to developing local skills. The qualifications available are those that employers want and the skills learnt are transferable within the job arena, with people outside Willmott Dixon also having the ability to undertake the same qualifications that our staff do, so a real asset to the community.Not only will this help provide sustainable employment routes within Willmott Dixon, it will support the Government’s wider skills agenda through training and development and ensuring those entering the industry have the necessary skills and competencies required by employers.”

The Centre for Skills is the largest of its kind for Willmott Dixon in the UK. Although the centre will be based in Birmingham, a final location is yet to be confirmed. It is due to open in July this year.

Mr Willmott said: 

We have chosen to do this now to ensure that our staff have the skills to deliver the quality of service required in an ever changing market. Training and development is not a light switch that can be turned on and off; 160 years of history has taught us this. The construction industry is continuously evolving and as a business we need to be able to adapt to it. It’s also about ensuring we make a wider contribution to the local community through skills training as part of our long-term commitment to the West Midlands.”

Please contact the Business PR team if you would like further information. 

NEWS BULLETINS: NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE 

BBC WEST MIDLANDS

The New York Times has given Birmingham a glowing review in a travel feature published this weekend.” 

Comment from Ian Taylor, Commercial Director of Marketing Birmingham. 

Story featured in the BBC WM’s news bulletins at 7am, 7.30am, 8.30am (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00nbtc3), 9am, 9.30am, 10am, 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00nbtc5), 12pm bulletins on Sunday morning, with clips of Ian’s interview at 7, 9, 10, 11am and 12pm (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00nbyy2).

ED DOOLAN: NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE – INTERVIEW WITH URBAN COFFEE COMPANY 

BBC WM 

After decades of bad press, Birmingham is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Twice in less than a month, one of the world’s most influential newspapers the New York Times has given Birmingham a glowing review.” 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00nbtc5 (from 1 hour, 8 mins – for five minutes) 

SUNDAY MORNING NEWS BULLETIN: BIRMINGHAM PRAISED IN NEW YORK TIMES 

Heart FM 

Newsreader: 

And priceless PR for the city - that’s how a newspaper article about Birmingham is being described after it was published in New York.” 

Neil Rami:

The kind of impact you get from a New York Times piece frankly is as big as it gets in the States.” 

Newsreader: 

That’s Neil Rami from Marketing Birmingham. He says we could see a few more American tourists about the place after such glowing reviews. You can take a look at it on heart.co.uk.” 

Interview set up by Marketing Birmingham’s PR team. 

VIEW ARTICLE

Over the last year, more and more people have been using Istanbul Ataturk Airport to connect onwards with Turkish Airlines’ over 190 strong route network, benefiting both business and leisure travellers. Forward bookings on routes to the Middle East, Far East and Africa have been outstanding as more and more people realise how easy and convenient it is to connect via Istanbul rather than taking long and stressful car journeys to other UK airports to catch direct flights.

The new schedule will operate as follows:

• TK1968 - Monday, Wednesday & Friday departures from Birmingham at 11:15
• TK1970 - Tuesday, Thursday Saturday & Sunday departures from Birmingham at 14:15

Martyn Lloyd, Head of Air Service Development, from Birmingham Airport, said:

Turkish Airlines began services from Birmingham in 2008 and has offered a vital service for Birmingham and the Midlands, whilst increasing passenger numbers year by year. However, business travellers need both choice and flexibility and we have worked in partnership with Turkish Airlines to secure a daily service from the end of March. We’re therefore delighted with this development to give our business and leisure community even more choice for long-haul connectivity from Birmingham."

Mustafa Yildirim, General Manager for Turkish Airlines at the Airport, said,

As the Best Airline in Europe, we’re committed to Birmingham Airport and the decision to increase our operation demonstrates this. Turkish Airlines can offer travellers excellent choice, service and punctuality across Europe, the Indian Sub-continent, The Middle East, the Far East and Africa, with a choice of 190 destinations across our network. We look forward to welcoming new passengers on this growing route and giving people from the region even more choice. We will continue our growth by keeping our service and quality standards.”

Turkish Airlines will operate an Airbus 320 and Boeing 737-800, which are configured for two classes; Business and Economy. Turkish Airlines operates the youngest fleet in Europe, amongst scheduled airlines.

To celebrate the launch of daily services, Turkish Airlines will be offering the following return fares, including taxes:

Istanbul £164 

Dubai £337

North Cyprus £213

Beijing £482

Shanghai £490

Delhi £415

Mumbai £399

Singapore £629

Jakarta £615

Mashhad £442

Tabriz £489

Shiraz £442

Erbil £543

Sulaymaniyah £543

Cairo £304

Alexandria £354

Doha £373

Accra £460

Trade links with China were formalised back in 2004 when Birmingham signed a Treaty of Friendship with Guangzhou, brokered by Birmingham City Council, to enhance the two cities’ international links – long before the Chancellor called for the UK to forge stronger links with the East given the state of the Eurozone. 

Wouter Schuitemaker, Investment Director at Business Birmingham, comments: 

Since 2007, Chinese investment into Birmingham has created more projects, more jobs and generated more investment – an estimated £103 million* – than any other regional city in the UK. Furthermore, two companies from China have already invested some £15 million here in the last two years and created or safeguarded 300 jobs**, which is why I believe the city’s fortunes stand to benefit greatly from developing further business links with this economic powerhouse."

2012 is the ‘Year of the Dragon’ – the most auspicious symbol of the Chinese zodiac – and during this time we will be communicating with investors in China as well as companies seeking closer links with the country. Among the messages we will be sharing about Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull are their reputations for innovation, enterprise and new-found confidence; all of which are highly regarded in Chinese culture.” 

The strength of Birmingham’s relationship with China was clearly demonstrated last summer when Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao flew into Birmingham Airport for his visit to the city’s MG plant (whose parent company is Shanghai based, SAIC Motor) before his audience with the Prime Minister in London. 

The fact that this was the only business visit on the Premier’s itinerary was seen as a strong endorsement from the Chinese state and clear indication of the strategic importance of its investment in the region’s engineering and automotive sector – following which Solihull-based Arup signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the China Railway Group, and the University of Birmingham and Hortons’ Estate both announced collaborations with Chinese organisations. 

The Birmingham area’s transport links – which include more direct rail connections than any other city in Europe – have also helped it to attract attention from the East; something recognised by Mr Osborne, who highlighted infrastructure projects including the High Speed 2 rail link to Birmingham as reliable investments to Chinese investors. 

Wouter Schuitemaker added: 

During 2012 the city region will be seizing opportunities such as next month’s China Brands European showcase and our growing business connectivity – demonstrated by Birmingham Airport’s runway extension, which will open up direct routes to China from 2014, and future investments such as HS2 – to forge new alliances as well as nurture those that have already been created. China’s growth may have slowed but I believe that the Chinese economic success story has much further to run.”

* fDi Markets

** Analysis by the Marketing Birmingham Regional Observatory

The scheme comprises three main areas – Broad Street, Aston University and Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH). Broad Street became operational in 2007, followed by Aston University in 2009 and Birmingham Children’s Hospital in 2010.

Less than five years old, the scheme is now one of the largest and fastest growing in the UK.

The combined heat and power (CHP) district energy scheme supplies hot water for heating, chilled water for air conditioning and electricity. A network of pre insulated heating and chilling mains distribute the hot and chilled water to individual buildings around the city.

The scheme and Birmingham District Energy Company is owned and operated by Cofely District Energy (CDE), part of the GDF SUEZ Group, but it is the innovative partnership with Birmingham City Council, Aston University and Birmingham Children’s Hospital that has ensured the success and rapid growth of the scheme.

To celebrate this remarkable success and completion of the three initial phases of the scheme, CDE is hosting a celebratory event for its partners and guests at the Lakeside Centre, Aston University on 31 January 2012.

Key champions of the scheme speaking at the event will include:-

• Councillor Paul Tilsley, Deputy Leader, Birmingham City Council 
• Julia King, Vice Chancellor, Aston University
• Neal James, Head of Capital Developments, Birmingham Children’s Hospital
• Simon Woodward, Chief Executive, Cofely District Energy 

The event will be followed by official opening ceremonies at the Aston University and Children’s Hospital Energy Centres, where the occasion will be marked by the unveiling of a Carbon Calculator outside each Centre.

The Birmingham Scheme and its partners have already won some impressive awards, including:-

• The 2011 Property and Facilities Management Expert Services Sector Award
• The 2011 Property and Facilities Management Award for the overall best partnership in the UK
• The International Energy Agency’s Certificate of Superior Achievement

The scheme continues to develop and grow with the new Library for Birmingham and Bagot Street being recent connections.

Simon Woodward, CDE’s Chief Executive said:

We are delighted to be celebrating the success of this outstanding scheme. During the last five years, together with our partners – the City Council, BCH and Aston University, we have built one of the largest and best known District Energy schemes in the UK. Over the next five years, working with our partners, we aim to spread the considerable benefits of district energy by extending the City Centre scheme and starting to add more schemes across the City.”

Professor Julia King, Vice Chancellor of Aston University said:

We are delighted to be part of the Birmingham District Energy Scheme. The scheme has had a major impact on our CO2 emissions on campus as well as reducing our electricity and heating costs. The UK needs many more innovative schemes like this if we are to meet our commitments in the Climate Change Act, and it is great to see the City of Birmingham leading the way.”

Councillor Paul Tilsley, Deputy Leader Birmingham City Council said:

I am delighted to see the success of our Birmingham District Energy Company partnership with Cofely District Energy being celebrated today. I championed this project from the outset by signing off the agreement with Cofely. The City Council is a very active partner and has successfully connected its buildings to the scheme - including the Council House, Town Hall, our refurbished offices at Lancaster Circus and now our new BREEAM excellent offices at Woodcock Street. And when the new Library of Birmingham is completed that will also be connected. So I am extremely pleased to see how the city has taken this to its heart and is showing the rest of the UK how to get on and build district energy schemes."

Neal James, Head of Capital Developments at Birmingham Children’s Hospital said:

We are pleased that Birmingham Children’s Hospital have been a partner in such a high profile energy reduction programme. The Energy Centre is on our hospital site and we are happy that we are able to benefit from the savings made by the centre and the impact that has on reducing our carbon footprint for the next generation.”

The Niche Innovation Scheme is offering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region a selection of research and development grants between £4,000 and £20,000 to create new products for niche vehicles which will contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions.

West Midlands SMEs – including those in the supply chain – are being invited to join forces with research and development organisations to put forward original or existing ideas for low carbon innovations in a bid to win a grant to develop or complete a product.

The £480,000 project, which is funded by ERDF and led by Coventry University Enterprises, aims to encourage partnership working between West Midlands companies and research organisations to enable those companies to access technical expertise that might otherwise be beyond their budget.

It is anticipated that the funding will ‘pump-prime’ activity in the West Midlands’ niche vehicle sector – traditionally one of the region’s strongest industries – and will help ensure the long term sustainability of niche and low carbon automotive manufacturing in the area.

Mike Dickison, director of the niche vehicle programme in Coventry University’s Low Carbon Vehicle Grand Challenge, said:

The niche vehicle sector is a vital part of the part of the automotive landscape in the UK and particularly in the West Midlands. It includes many internationally-recognised, high-value brands and their suppliers, so it’s critical that the niche manufacturers continue to innovate and develop new products, especially to meet the demands of the lower carbon economy.

The Niche Innovation Scheme will provide essential support to those SMEs to allow them access to world-class expertise, and to encourage them to pioneer the kind of new technologies that the volume players will adopt in the future. Their value and contribution to the industry as a whole should not be underestimated.”

Norman Price, deputy chair of the West Midlands ERDF Local Management Committee, said:

Our region has always had a strong presence in automotive manufacturing, and has learned through research and development activities to adapt and innovate with new advances, especially in the niche vehicle manufacturing arena. However, over recent years – and as a direct response to the economic downturn – this area has faced particularly challenging times.

This ERDF scheme will provide grants and specialist support to help small businesses working in this field to rebuild and develop those important relationships with research and development companies. Together, the new partnerships will provide opportunities to develop and test new and innovative solutions, boosting business profits and improving the regional economy.”

The value of the West Midlands’ niche vehicle sector is estimated to be £450 million, employing over 10,000 people across the region – 75% of whom are based in SMEs. Niche vehicles are defined as any vehicle produced at a volume of less than 5000 units per annum.

For further details on the grants and the application process, please email Suzi Archer.

Paul Brewer comments: 

New food stores typically require between five to eight acres of land and have a value of between £1 million - £2.5 million per acre. This is the one of the highest land values per acre for any development activity, enabling the value of the rental payments, or the sale of the land, to trigger wider regeneration activity in the immediate area and the wider community the new stores will serve.” 

At Longbridge, an 85,000 sq ft Sainsbury’s store will anchor the wider £70 million town centre development, which received planning permission in July 2011. 

In Telford, a 100,000 sq ft ASDA store development is delivering significant public realm benefits to the town centre and contributing towards the creation a new South Water leisure quarter. 

The redevelopment of Stafford town centre, which is focused around the Kingsmead and Riverside development proposals, is benefitting from the value created by a Morrison’s store. A planning decision is imminent for both redevelopment sites. 

GVA’s sale of the 13 acre former ATP automotive site in Hednesford to St. Modwen has created the regeneration and rebirth of the area with the development of a new town centre, anchored by a new Tesco store. 

A total of three new food stores are being developed in Wolverhampton. A new Sainsbury’s store is incorporating the regeneration of dilapidated and derelict listed buildings in the centre of the city. 

While a new Tesco store will be developed at the former Royal Hospital site, which will incorporate further space for additional retail premises. It is expected that three hours of free parking will be granted by the supermarket operators on both sites to encourage shoppers to spend additional time - and money - in the town centre. 

Paul Brewer adds: 

Local Authorities, developers and supermarket operators are working better than ever before to deliver wider regeneration benefits to local communities. It is often the case that without a new food store, there would be no catalyst to kick-start such activity. Food stores represent a significant proportion of development activity taking place across the country at the present time.”

Longbridge - part of the £70 million town centre development

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

BIRMINGHAM SCIENCE CITY GETS FINANCIAL BOOST

ENERGY SAVING TRUST

Development of Birmingham Science City has taken a step further through a funding boost for two of the city's universities researching low carbon technology. Aston University and Birmingham City University have formed a partnership with E.ON to work on new energy efficiency tools and alternative fuels.

VIEW ARTICLE

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

HS2 HIGH-SPEED RAIL LINK GETS GREEN LIGHT BUT IT WON'T BE READY FOR 14 YEARS

DAILY MAIL 

The high-speed rail link that will see 225mph trains run between London and Birmingham has been given the green light.

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HS2: REACTION FROM TRAIN COMPANIES, TAXPAYERS’ ALLIANCE AND UNIONS

HUFFINGTON POST

This article highlights the mixed reaction regarding HS2 project. Train companies welcomed the news but a taxpayers' group described the scheme as a "white elephant.”

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HIGH SPEED BIRMINGHAM TO LONDON RAIL LINK HS2 GIVEN GO-AHEAD BY GOVERNMENT

BIRMINGHAM POST 

The Government signalled the go-ahead today for the £32 billion HS2 high-speed rail project that will drastically reduce journey times between London and Birmingham. 

VIEW ARTICLE 

BIRMINGHAM CHAMBER HAILS ‘FANTASTIC’ HS2 DECISION, BUT OTHERS DOUBT BENEFITS

BIRMINGHAM POST 

The Government's decision to give the go-ahead to the HS2 high-speed rail link has been welcomed by business leaders in Birmingham, but a Staffordshire commercial property agent has raised doubts over its benefits. Quote by Wouter Schuitemaker.

VIEW ARTICLE 

GO-AHEAD OF HS2 HIGH SPEED RAIL WELCOMED BY BIRMINGHAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BIRMINGHAM MAIL

The go-ahead of HS2 has found favour with Wouter Schuitemaker, Investment Director at Business Birmingham.

VIEW ARTICLE 

PUBLIC REACTIONS TO HS2 HIGH SPEED RAIL LINK GO-AHEAD

BIRMINGHAM MAIL  

This article explores the mixed reaction concerning the HS2 go-ahead.

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HS2 PROMISES MASSIVE ECONOMIC BENEFITS SAY BUSINESS LEADERS

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The article explores the benefits that can come be achieved by the HS2. Quote by Neil Rami, Chief Executive, Marketing Birmingham.

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HIGH SPEED TWO PLANS GET BROAD WELCOME

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There has been a welcome in many quarters for the HS2 plans announced by transport secretary Justine Greening today, but anti-HS2 campaigners are vowing to continue their opposition to the £32 billion project, which will eventually link London with Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.

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DECISION TO BUILD HS2 TREMENDOUS BOOST FOR WEST MIDLANDS

RAIL.CO

The Transport Secretary’s decision to build HS2 from London to Birmingham has been hailed as a ‘tremendous boost’ for the West Midlands by regional leaders. Quote by Neil Rami.

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Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

2012 NEW DELHI AUTO SHOW: BIRMINGHAM BOLT CONCEPT

4 WHEELS

A new supercar concept (Birmingham Bolt) made its debut today at the 2012 New Delhi Auto Show. Business Birmingham uses the Bolt Concept in order to illustrate the significant opportunity that the presence of a strong automatic and advanced engineering supply chain presents for investors such as Indian investment funds and trading organisations. 

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Wouter Schuitemaker, Investment Director at Business Birmingham, explains what support is available for entrepreneurs looking to invest in the Birmingham area:

To stimulate job creation in Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull, it is crucial to attract more entrepreneurial businesses and support those who are already based here. Many of these businesses will be start-ups who have the potential to generate a considerable number of jobs as they grow, as well as helping to support other local companies by becoming business partners - providing industry expertise and strengthening the area’s supply chain. 

Investor offer 

The Birmingham area is already an outstanding location for investors, with a highly successful track record of attracting inward investment; in 2011 Birmingham received £575 million in investment, the most of any regional city in the UK. However, at Business Birmingham – the inward investment programme operated by the city’s strategic marketing partnership, Marketing Birmingham – we are aiming to drive even more investment to the region, generating growth and ultimately creating more jobs. 

Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull have a lot to offer entrepreneurs looking for a location to set up their business, including a skilled workforce and affordable real estate. The area has a £94 billion economy with access to a working population of 4.3 million people and a talent pool of some 97,000 graduates each year. Its transport network is set to be enhanced with infrastructure projects such as the £600 million New Street Gateway and expansion of Birmingham Airport. Birmingham is also establishing a 4G wireless network to deliver super-fast mobile broadband capacity by 2014. 

Supportive business community

Many entrepreneurial companies are already attracted to the area due its local talent, supportive network and sector opportunities, but many more will be enticed by the benefits of the region’s two Enterprise Zones, based in Birmingham and across Darlaston and Wolverhampton. Benefits such as business rate relief will make a real difference to start-ups and give many the boost they need to succeed. 

The considerable business support network available to entrepreneurs looking to invest in Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull includes two Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), a growing number of Business Improvement Districts, two Chambers of Commerce and the Visit and Meet Birmingham campaigns coordinated by Marketing Birmingham – which promote the area’s visitor economy, including business tourism and events. 

This network now includes the Birmingham Business Hub, which will provide expertise and support for existing entrepreneurs as well as those looking to move to the area. Seven organisations across Birmingham are co-locating at Baskerville House to form the Hub – Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, Marketing Birmingham, Finance Birmingham, Birmingham Forward, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group, Aston Reinvestment Trust and Birmingham City Council.  

More than 80 commercial organisations have also partnered with Business Birmingham, with the business community acting as an extended sales force to promote the region at home and abroad. A number of our partners can provide support for potential investors; RSM Tenon, for example, has developed a suite of products tailored to the needs of new investors as they establish and locate in the area. 

Working with both the private and public sectors, we are able to promote the region as a highly attractive business destination with a streamlined and coordinated approach to help investors locate and grow in the area. 

Many businesses that set up in Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull will remain there as they grow and develop into larger enterprises. We must continue to promote the area to entrepreneurs – not only can they immediately bring jobs to the region, but they have the potential to generate significant new employment opportunities over the long-term.     

The Transport Secretary’s decision to build HS2 from London to Birmingham has been hailed as a tremendous boost for the West Midlands by regional leaders.

Key figures from pro-high speed rail consortium Go-HS2, which include Birmingham City Council, transport authority Centro, Birmingham Chamber, NEC Group, Birmingham Airport and Marketing Birmingham, said the go-ahead for the project would mean thousands of jobs and a boost of billions of pounds for the West Midlands economy. 

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: 

The go-ahead for HS2 provides probably the single most important opportunity for economic growth in this region for generations.  

The benefits for Birmingham and the West Midlands are clear and unquestionable – job creation, increased productivity and greater investor appeal, all of which will ultimately bring direct benefits to families who live and work in the region.  

It’s great news that we’re taking advantage of this tremendous opportunity to invest for the future and build a 21st century high speed transport system which will link us more easily to the key markets and cities right across Europe.” 

Geoff Inskip, chief executive of Centro, said that building HS2 would revolutionise travel and bring about tremendous opportunities for transport in the West Midlands. 

This is great news for families across our region which has been hit hard by unemployment in the recession. We now look forward to working with the Government to ensure the West Midlands can reap the full rewards HS2 will bring.” 

Mr Inskip said it was important that Government worked closely with groups and individuals to reduce impact on the environment and people’s lives.

 Jerry Blackett, chief executive at Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, said:  

We applaud the Secretary of State’s decision to back HS2. Transport is vital if we are to grow our economy and ensure businesses can access markets reliably and quickly.  

HS2 is clearly the only viable solution to the looming capacity constraints on the West Coast Mainline and we are pleased that Justine Greening has backed jobs and growth by backing HS2.

We have spent two year’s consulting on the idea so let’s get the legislation through parliament as quickly as possible.” 

Paul Kehoe, Chief Executive of Birmingham Airport, said: 

HS2 is great news for the region, great news for UK Plc, and great news for Birmingham Airport. 

Other countries, such as Germany, have a ‘multi-hub’ airport model – they link their major airports with High Speed Rail, and spread the economic activity. They do not stick to the old-fashioned model of just one major airport. 

With the UK Government’s aspiration to re-balance the economy, Birmingham and other Airports will benefit from HS2, whilst taking the pressure off the south east and creating jobs for many thousands of people. Birmingham Airport station will be the hub of the High Speed network – placing Birmingham Airport less than an hour from the great majority of the UK population.” 

Neil Rami, head of Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme operated by Marketing Birmingham, said: 

Aided by the significant transport investment already taking place in Birmingham – including the £600 million New Street Gateway and the expansion of Birmingham Airport– HS2 will help attract overseas investors looking for a gateway to the rest of theUKand Europe and maintain Birmingham’s profile as a global business hub.” 

Paul Thandi, CEO of the NEC Group, said: 

It’s fantastic news to hear that HS2 has been given the green light. High speed rail is of great significance to not only our business, but the West Midlands and the UK’s future economy – undoubtedly helping with the economic recovery over the next decade – so we wholeheartedly support this decision."  

Ian Stringer, regional senior director at GVA’s Birmingham office, added:

This is a very real sign that this Government understands the importance to UK plc of major cities and city regions, and sustainable connectivity to the country’s capital. HS2 will create a significant ripple effect for Birmingham’s economy, and private sector investment decisions will now gain momentum.”

Ian Cornock, who heads the Birmingham office of Jones Lang LaSalle, believes that this week’s announcement will be a great message for Birmingham’s property and development community to take to MIPIM 2012: 

We are already lining up meetings at Cannes with representatives from the Gulf, India, China, and other states looking at Western Europe for potential property investments, and the government’s unequivocal backing for HS2 will underpin our efforts to attract such funding to Birmingham.” 

HS2 will provide direct services between Birmingham city centre, Birmingham Interchange (situated next to the NEC and Airport) and London reducing travel times to 48 and 39 minutes respectively. 

When the full Y-network is completed services will run north cutting journey times to the East Midlands, South Yorkshire, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh. 

The journey time to Leeds from the West Midlands will be halved to around one hour and the time to Manchester cut from 1h 30m to 49 minutes. 

Representatives announced the figure, which is based on ongoing investment by a number of leading automotive brands in and around the West Midlands region, ahead of this month’s Indian Auto Expo, Asia’s largest automotive show.

Making the announcement Martyn Mangan, investment manager for transport technologies and manufacturing at Business Birmingham, said:

India’s automotive industry continues to go from strength to strength, strategic purchases including Jaguar Land Rover and joint ventures between UK and Indian companies are creating formidable commercial offerings. In Birmingham, unlike other global automotive cities, we benefit from latent demand from a number of expanding supply chains.

Investment from companies including Jaguar Land Rover, Toyota and BMW in the UK will create a £2 billion opportunity over the next five years for companies who can set up near shore operations alongside existing supply chains here in the West Midlands. The types of organisation sought include casting companies, engine component suppliers and automotive electronics firms among others.

It’s important to remember that UK-based automotive firms still source 36 per cent of their components domestically – equivalent to approximately £7.4 billion of spend per annum – and in Birmingham we assemble more engines than anywhere else in Europe. Indian companies looking to invest in Birmingham also benefit from proximity to world class research and development facilities and an extensive talent pool of experienced engineers and graduates.”

As well as companies already operating in the automotive industry Business Birmingham will also be setting up meetings with key Indian investment funds and trading organisations at Auto Expo. Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham, which runs Business Birmingham, will be heading up meetings with investors. He said:

There are a number of opportunities for investors to ensure long-term sustainable returns by investing in the Birmingham automotive industry, which already contributes £360 million to the local economy and employs more than 100,000 people across the wider region. Expansion at major manufacturers in and around the West Midlands presents an excellent opportunity for investors to target organic growth, while setting up operations that can capitalise on demand for near shore supply in the UK and mainland Europe.”

The Indian Auto Expo takes place between 5 and 11 January 2012 and is Asia’s largest automotive show. Business Birmingham is the only UK regional inward investment programme exhibiting at the show and can be found on the UK Pavillion, Hall 2, stand 2.12.

The concept car is a virtual tour de force conceived by inward investment programme Business Birmingham as a technical showcase for the Greater Birmingham area and highlights both the strength of the area’s existing supply chain and the significant potential for investors seeking to join it. 

Revealing a first glimpse of the Bolt’s design ahead of the show, Business Birmingham’s transport technologies and manufacturing investment manager Martyn Mangan said: 

The Bolt is a high performance, premium concept vehicle design that incorporates advanced engineering capability and precision parts sourced almost exclusively in the Birmingham area. 

Our established automotive supply chain means that the majority of The Bolt’s body, chassis, interior and underlying componentry could be supplied locally see this design or one very much like it accelerate from the drawing board and onto roads in under 18 months using our existing research, development and manufacturing base.” 

Business Birmingham is the only foreign direct investment organisation to attend the Auto Expo and will be using The Bolt Concept to illustrate the significant opportunity that the presence of such a strong automotive and advanced engineering supply chain presents for investors such as Indian investment funds and trading organisations. 

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham explains: 

The message I’m sharing with investors in Delhi is that two thirds of all UK automotive R&D is conducted in the Greater Birmingham area and global vehicle manufacturers such as Jaguar Land Rover, Toyota and BMW source over 4billion GBP of components locally. 

We’re at the show to encourage and support joint ventures between UK businesses and Indian companies looking to enter the supply chain. There are also still opportunities for suppliers in as yet untapped niches - including specialist casting companies, specific engine components and electronics suppliers - so we believe there is a compelling commercial case for choosing Birmingham as a place in which to invest.” 

Business Birmingham will be located in the UK Pavilion, Hall 2, stand 2.12 at Auto Expo. To find out more visit http://businessbirmingham.com/auto-expo

Birmingham Bolt Concept Companies

The Birmingham Bolt Concept Companies from the local supply chain capable of taking The Bolt from concept to reality include: 

 Brakes & safety equipment 

• Alcon
• Caparo

Exhausts 

• Unipart 
• Caparo 

Internal trim 

• Faurecia 
• Lear Corporation – seats & fabrics
• NIA - Nippon Industries 

External trim 

• Barkley Plastics – fastenings & mouldings 
• IAC - International Automotive components Group
• Plastic Omnium – body components 

Tyres & wheels

• Goodyear – tyres 
• Rimstock – wheels 

Drive train 

• Ricardo 
• ZF 

Glass

• Pilkington 

Body in White 

• Stadco – steel & aluminium panels and components 
• Sertec – aluminium panels & pressings
• ThyssenKrupp – chassis design & manufacture
• Unipres – body panels & metal stamping 

Engine components 

• GKN – driveline & engine internals
• Shakespeare Forgings – engine blocks & internals 

Research & development 

• Aston University - environmental technologies 
• BCU (Birmingham City University) – low carbon automotive research & design 
• University of Birmingham – alternative fuels & engine testing 
• WMG - Premium Vehicle Customer Interface Technologies 

The list of companies has been chosen on the basis that they are Tier 1 suppliers to the automotive industry. 

To find a comprehensive list of all companies that offer these services, please visit the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders website for more details: www.smmt.co.uk

Download the Birmingham Bolt Factsheet 

Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme, has launched a survey for key decision makers in the local legal sector – which will help to shape Birmingham’s proposition for the industry.

The survey aims to gauge current issues and challenges faced by the legal sector, ranging from opinions on the Legal Services Act to how firms propose to tackle any financial pressures they may be facing. By taking part in the survey, the region’s law practitioners will be able to influence the activity of Business Birmingham, which will be focusing more heavily on the legal sector in 2012.

Marek Dobrowolski, investment manager at Business Birmingham, commented:

We have received an increasing number of enquiries from law firms from across the UK that are interested in moving some functions to Birmingham. The legal sector has undergone a significant level of consolidation in the past 12 months with several mergers and acquisitions, which has led to firms considering how to make their back office more efficient and cost-effective.

Birmingham is a highly attractive destination for legal firms looking to relocate or outsource; it has a well connected transport network, skilled workforce and affordable real estate. By outsourcing parts of their business to Birmingham, firms can make use of the city’s benefits while establishing themselves in the UK’s largest regional professional and financial services sector.”

Birmingham’s vibrant legal sector already comprises more than 900 firms employing 17,000 people, including 3,500 solicitors and 500 barristers. Key local firms include Wragge & Co, Anthony Collins Solicitors, DLA Piper and Squire Sanders Hammonds – while Trowers & Hamlins has recently moved to the city and the Solicitors Regulation Authority is relocating to Birmingham in 2012. The city is also home to the UK’s largest local law society and largest branch of the College of Law.

Dobrowolski added:

We want to ensure that City law firms interested in setting up a service centre here are presented with a compelling proposition for Birmingham, and feedback from the local industry will be incredibly valuable as a way to inform this approach.

After concentrating on financial services in 2011, Business Birmingham is now growing our strategic focus to include the wider business and professional services sector – including the legal industry. Ultimately, by enticing other law firms to the city, we are aiming to raise the profile of the local sector, boosting growth and generating jobs for both experienced professionals and the talented graduates that Birmingham produces every year.”

Click here to take the anonymous survey about legal process outsourcing

The organisation has opened an office at 11 Waterloo Street, as a base for new chief commercial counsellor Tankut Aydin, who will be responsible for facilitating trade between Turkey and the Midlands.

The Embassy currently has four trade commissioners, three in London and one in Birmingham. A fifth is planned for a new office in Scotland. Mr Aydin, who has taken up the post following stints in Hong Kong and Northern Cyprus, said:

It’s great to have a presence in the UK’s largest city outside London, and our doors are open for business. We believe there are real opportunities here.

Bilateral trade between Turkey and the UK is currently worth around £10bn per annum. Furthermore, in terms of Turkey’s total exports the UK ranks second, with a 6.5 per cent share, while Turkey ranks 19th in the UK’s total imports, with a 1.35 per cent share. Prime minister David Cameron has also pledged to double trade with Turkey over the next five years.”

The Turkish Embassy has taken 810 sq ft on a five-year lease at Nurton Developments’ 11 Waterloo Street. Rental is £18 per sq ft. The premises includes office and meeting room space.

The Birmingham office of Colliers International brokered the deal for the tenant. Emel Ahmet, a Turkish Cypriot from the firm’s retail team, and colleague Alex Tross, from the office agency team, advised the Embassy.

The OECD tips Turkey to be the fastest-growing economy after China and India by 2015. It is one of the world’s largest markets, with a population of 73million, of which 60 per cent is under the age of 35.

More than 2,000 UK companies are currently doing business in Turkey, including Vodafone, Tesco, Marks & Spencer and Rolls Royce. Ms Ahmet said:

The opening up of the Turkish trade commission is a real coup for Birmingham and the region. Not only does the deal strengthen trade links between Turkey and the Midlands, it demonstrates Colliers’ truly international capabilities.”

Mr Tross added:

We’re pleased that we were able to facilitate the Turkish Embassy in finding a suitable location for its first trade commission outside London. By utilising Emel's Turkish Cypriot background, coupled with my knowledge of the office market, we were able to provide a seamless service."

Theo Holmes of CBRE acted for Nurton. He said:

This is a great win for Birmingham and the city’s traditional office core.

11 Waterloo St’s quality specification and central location, just meters from Birmingham’s most exclusive business address, Colmore Row, was a winning combination. As a result, there is now only one 1,026 sq ft suite left in the building.” 

(L-R): Alex Tross and Emel Ahmet from Colliers International with Meryem Tekbiyik and Tankut Aydin from the Turkish Embassy.

Biggest gains in transport technologies and financial services, according to inward investment programme Business Birmingham

Almost 1,800 jobs have been created as a result of inward investment in Birmingham in the eight months to December 2011, with nearly 40% in financial services and more than 20% in transport technologies.

The figures were announced by Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme.

This jobs creation has been driven by the proactive focus of Business Birmingham since it started operating in April 2011.

Wouter Schuitemaker, Investment Director at Business Birmingham, commented:

To generate investment and jobs, we have focused on raising the profile of Birmingham, and its sectoral strengths, on a global scale. The Business Birmingham team has conducted a number of successful international trade visits – to destinations including India, France and five cities across the USA. We have also welcomed the Chinese Premier and the German Ambassador to Birmingham, and hosted our 2DigitalDays event to showcase the area’s vibrant digital community to potential investors.

We have exceeded our overall job creation target by 42% so far, generating 1,777 jobs against an original target of 1,250 until April 2012. This has in a large part been driven by strong performances in financial services and in automotive, where we have surpassed our targets considerably. With investment from organisations including the Business Growth Fund, Trowers & Hamlins and FIS Global, and more in the pipeline, it is a trend we anticipate continuing into 2012.”

According to Mr Schuitemaker, the figures demonstrate that Business Birmingham’s sectoral and market-focused inward investment strategy is paying dividends; targeting overseas organisations with an appetite for the skills and innovations that the Birmingham area can demonstrate through its talent and solid supply chain opportunities, and identifying countries based upon both existing trade links and size of opportunity – the USA and India in particular. He continued:

By concentrating on sectors such as advanced manufacturing and engineering, financial services and low carbon technologies, we have been able to leverage the value and service chains built around resident global players such as ThyssenKrupp, Jaguar Land Rover and most recently, Skanska.

As we move into 2012, we will continue to build on these strengths but also focus more strongly on life sciences and digital media. Due to our recent success Business Birmingham is also extending our target audience to 10 markets from four, including China, Japan, Australia and Switzerland, based on higher than expected levels of interest from these markets.”

Some 120 inward investment prospects are in the pipeline for Business Birmingham – of which nearly two thirds (65%) are in financial and business services, digital media, manufacturing and transport technologies. North America has the most overseas projects (16%), followed by India (6%) and Germany (5%).

In November, Business Birmingham signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UK Trade & Investment to become the main point of contact for inward investment enquiries for Greater Birmingham and Solihull. It has been in operation since April 2011 after officially launching in October 2010 as part of the city’s strategic marketing partnership, Marketing Birmingham. Business Birmingham also works closely with the Black Country to generate investment into the wider area.

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham, said:

In October 2010 Birmingham was the first city in the UK to officially integrate business inward investment with visitor marketing, a model that has proven to be effective. We are leading the way by aligning these activities, and have built upon this collaborative approach further by co-locating with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership and other local organisations to form the Birmingham Business Hub, which provides local and overseas businesses with advice and services from one location.”

The Birmingham Business Hub also brings together regional finance providers, business support specialists and membership bodies including Finance Birmingham, Birmingham Forward, Birmingham City Council, Aston Reinvestment Trust and key elements of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group.

In 2011 to date, Birmingham has attracted the most FDI by value of any UK regional city – totalling more than £540 million. The latest Mercer Quality of Living 2011 global survey also highlighted Birmingham as the most attractive UK regional city for quality of life, ranking in 52nd place internationally having moved up by three places, from 55 in 2010.

Mr Rami added:

Our jobs creation and the Mercer survey corroborate our decision to make inward investment a part of the city’s destination marketing strategy. We are delivering for inward investors – both commercially and personally for their staff in terms of quality of life.

We have ambitious aims for Birmingham, but our joined-up approach, exceptional talent base, and future fitness in terms of skills coming through from our leading universities and apprenticeship programmes, means that we are ideally positioned to capitalise on growth sectors and appetite from overseas investors to locate in the UK.”

NVC Lighting

Business Birmingham has worked with NVC Lighting (NVC) to support its recent and ongoing investments into the Birmingham area. Since setting up in Rubery in 2009, in excess of 75 jobs have been created by Chinese owned NVC. Garry Pass, managing director at NVC in the UK, said the company’s ability to leverage existing R&D and manufacturing strengths in Birmingham, together with the area’s connectivity, had led them to invest in this location to drive its European growth strategy.

He comments:

We have made massive inroads into the UK lighting market in a short space of time. Our intention is to increase business in Europe, using Birmingham and the UK as the gateway.”

NVC is now nearing the completion of a capital investment project that will more than double its size. The company bought its existing premises in the middle of 2011 as well as the neighbouring site on which construction started in the summer. The planned new building is now almost complete with handover expected in January 2012.

We have ambitious plans to continue our growth in the UK and the investment in new facilities, which will include more space for R&D, will enable us to do this," said Garry Pass. “We are working closely with Business Birmingham to maximise future opportunities available in the region.”

• Organisation increases membership by over 60% in 12 months

Ernst & Young has become the latest of the Big Four professional services firms to partner with Marketing Birmingham, the city’s strategic marketing partnership, to support its drive to attract inward investment and businesses to the area. KPMG, Deloitte and PwC have also recently partnered to support Business Birmingham, the area’s inward investment programme, operated by Marketing Birmingham.

The firms will work with Business Birmingham to promote the city as a leading business destination, leveraging their international networks to spread the word and help the programme target investment from specific markets and sectors.

Sara Fowler, Senior Partner for the Midlands at Ernst & Young, said:

Birmingham has a growing reputation as a place to do business on an international level. According to our annual European Attractiveness Survey, which ranks the appeal of locations for foreign direct investors, the Midlands was the most attractive destination for inward investment projects outside of London, with an increase of more than 35 per cent on 2010 figures.

It is crucial that Birmingham capitalises on this growing appeal and, by working with Business Birmingham, we are looking forward to showcasing what the city has to offer on the global stage and supporting the programme’s work in markets where we have a presence.

Chris Loughran, Senior Partner at Deloitte in the Midlands, said:

Birmingham has so much to be proud of as a focus for international investment. We have a real enterprise culture, some great Universities, a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and flourishing professional services. We’re also investing to make the city even more attractive – the £600m New St Gateway project being just an example.

Birmingham can truly compete with leading business cities across the globe, so it is crucial that businesses come together to promote the city and its opportunities with a clear voice; Business Birmingham, with its focus on bringing in investment, is the vehicle to help the business community achieve this.

Mark Smith, Chairman of the Midlands practice of PwC, added:

Helping to entice foreign businesses into Birmingham will be of benefit to the entire business community across the area, by creating jobs and growth opportunities for local supply chains. By working closely with Business Birmingham and drawing on our networks of international offices, we are all able to discuss the exciting developments taking place in Birmingham with our colleagues and clients and support in-market activity, for the long-term benefit of the city.

As a sector with a major presence and workforce in the city, it is fitting that we support Business Birmingham’s drive to bring more jobs and talent to the area.

The professional and financial services sector in Birmingham contributes £14 billion to the West Midlands region, with more than 242,000 people employed by 24,000 businesses.

Mike Steventon, Senior Partner of KPMG in Birmingham, commented:

“The Big Four are major employers within the region working with businesses of all sizes, and it is because of this that we are ideally positioned to help promote the benefits of locating or investing in the city. Birmingham has a lot to offer including its transport networks, high calibre graduates and skilled workforce.”

The Big Four’s partnership with Marketing Birmingham builds on the announcement at its Annual General Meeting (7th December) that the organisation has increased its membership by two thirds (60%) in the last 12 months, with the city’s business community keen to support the organisation’s work to bring investors to the area, while continuing to promote its diverse visitor offer through its leisure-focused campaigns.

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham, added:

That the Big Four have all become partners with Marketing Birmingham demonstrates the proactive, collaborative approach we are taking in promoting the city. By working closely with the business community we are able to add weight and value to our global drive for investment and boost Birmingham’s reputation internationally. The appetite of the business community to support a co-ordinated investment drive and our work, shown in the 60% rise in our membership base, has been very encouraging and we are looking forward to building on it in the years to come.

The event took place at the company’s new office in Colmore Row, near Snow Hill Station on the evening of Monday 28th November. Guests included representatives from the commercial development market, members of the consulting professions and other advisors, many of whom have worked with Skanska over recent years whilst the company has been undertaking a number of schemes in the Midlands across the healthcare, custodial and defence sectors.

The decision to establish a base in the Midlands is in response to the company’s business plan in which it set out a commitment to increase its regional presence where it can offer skills, experience and solutions, “the Skanska way” to the benefit of its clients. This includes combining our extensive in-house skills and experience in a One Skanska approach to deliver complete solutions to our clients.

During his speech, Paul Chandler said:

We have a wealth of experience of working in the Midlands area, predominantly in the public sector. There are a number of potential private sector opportunities in this region and we know the in-house skills and experience we have built up, particularly in the London commercial market, places us in a good position to successfully deliver projects in other UK locations.

To do this it is important that we understand the market and our clients. The opening of our Birmingham office, is our commitment to the area and will enable us to develop long term relationships”

Leader of Birmingham City Council, Mike Whitby, commented:

Skanska’s decision to open an office in Birmingham is testimony to the city’s drive to provide the property industry with clarity on the opportunities available for development over the next 20 years, through its Big City Plan. By engaging with the industry and demonstrating how the city’s attributes - such as its transport network, skilled workforce and supportive business community will help them achieve real growth – we have attracted one of the world’s leading construction and development groups to Birmingham. We look forward to working with the team at Skanska to develop their presence in Birmingham.”

Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme, provided support to Skanska to help the company locate its central UK hub in Birmingham. Wouter Schuitemaker, Investment Director at Business Birmingham, said:

Business Birmingham has worked closely with Skanska to help the business identify the immediate and long-term opportunities having a base in Birmingham could offer. Skanska’s decision to locate in Birmingham will not go unnoticed by its suppliers and the wider property sector and will send a clear message that the city has the opportunities, investment and business attributes needed to help companies in this area to grow."

Business Birmingham, part of strategic marketing partnership Marketing Birmingham, works alongside companies and potential investors, to provide a long-term business service that supports development and inward investment, with the overall objective of promoting the city as a desirable place to do business. 

BABC Midlands, founded in 1996, is part of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group and represents businesses, corporations, and SMEs engaged in transatlantic ventures. The US is the Midlands’ number one foreign direct investor; currently attracting North American companies such as Ford, Motorola, 3M and Toys R Us, which are now located in the West Midlands. 

Wouter Schuitemaker, investment director at Business Birmingham, said:

Becoming a patron of BABC will boost our business profile and assist in providing us with connections to US firms that wish to expand or relocate to the Midlands. Our patronage will maximise our opportunities to secure further investors from this hugely important market.

The US is a major investor in Birmingham and the West Midlands. The area is currently home to over 350 North American companies employing some 60,000 people. We are using this established base to showcase the city’s potential to key US investors at a series of international events, during an extended trade mission to Chicago in October.”

Birmingham’s central location and transport connections have turned the city into an international hub, with direct flights across the globe to cities including New York. With the youngest population of any major city in Europe, it has a talent pool of nearly 100,000 graduates each year from 15 local universities.

Birmingham is also a cost-effective location for investors, providing a diverse range of mixed-use office space that includes 1.2 million square feet available for immediate occupation and another 5.15 million square feet in the development pipeline. 

Seven organisations across Birmingham will be sharing space at Baskerville House to form the Birmingham Business Hub.

The hub will be a single location that will provide integrated expertise and support for businesses based in the city or looking to move there.

The Hub brings together the following organisations: Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Marketing Birmingham, Finance Birmingham, Birmingham Forward, key elements of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group, Aston Reinvestment Trust and Birmingham City Council.

Image caption: (l-r) Birmingham City Council Leader, Mike Whitby, Greg Clark MP, LEP Chair Andy Street

Andy Street, Chair of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, said:

It makes perfect sense for the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP to be co-located with other organisations in the city that are dedicated to the economic development of the area. The Hub is a tremendous step forward for the city, providing a front door for companies looking to invest and expand here.”

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, added:

Birmingham is truly raising its game in terms of economic promotion and business development, and it is formidable news that many of the organisations involved in our growth are now able to work much more closely together. The Hub will provide the right environment for collaboration, and sophisticated public-private sector working – enabling people from across Birmingham, and the City Region, to share their expertise for the benefit of the entire business community.”

Said Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham:

The Hub will help Marketing Birmingham, through its inward investment programme Business Birmingham, to promote the city as a highly attractive destination for companies considering investing in Birmingham. Working even more closely with the other organisations at the Hub will enable us to provide a streamlined and coordinated approach to investor development.”

The Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP held its latest board meeting at Baskerville House today, which was attended by Greg Clark MP, Minister for Cities. Clark, who welcomed this development, said:

Birmingham's new Business Hub is a great example of how different bodies can join forces to work most effectively for the city – helping to generate investment, growth and jobs. Birmingham and its neighbouring areas have the potential to make an enormous contribution to jobs and the prosperity of the whole country. I hope that this initiative will help reinforce the strength of everyone working locally to boost the economy.”

David Waller, Chairman of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group, added:

Baskerville House is the ideal base for the Hub. An impressive landmark building, it provides us with a cost-effective central location alongside Birmingham’s business community, and accessible transport links.

Key Chamber departments will move into the Hub, including elements of the Chief Executive’s office, the Policy, Press and PR and International Trade teams. Otherwise, the Chamber will continue to operate from its existing Edgbaston headquarters. The move represents a tremendous opportunity for the Chamber to pursue independently the interests of private sector companies in the heart of a business support operation which involves key elements of the public sector. An immediate benefit to the Chamber is the opportunity to access the significant research and analytical resources held by Marketing Birmingham.”

Philippa Pickavance, Head of Agency Midlands at Drivers Jonas Deloitte – which advised on the move to Baskerville House – commented:

It is a pleasure to have advised on the Hub’s creation at Baskerville House, and to have negotiated a cost effective deal for Marketing Birmingham. We look forward to seeing it up and running early next year when our project management colleagues will have completed overseeing the fit out works. It really is good to see the various City organisations working together as one from The Hub to promote the many benefits of this City.”

The Birmingham Business Hub will be operated by Marketing Birmingham and occupy some 14,000 square feet on the ground floor of Baskerville House. Marketing Birmingham has already relocated from Millennium Point to Baskerville House, and the Hub will be fully operational from early January 2012. In total, up to 120 people from the seven organisations will be based at the Hub. The space will provide seven meeting rooms – including a conference room that can accommodate up to 35 people.

Hosted by Business Birmingham, the city’s official inward investment programme, the two day event saw international delegates link up with industry experts, university specialists and some of Birmingham’s hottest new digital media talent as the city showcased its buzzing and fast-growing digital sector.

A leading centre for digital and ICT, the digital sector employs over 64,000 people in the city. Birmingham is also the UK’s hub for games, serious games and interactive digital media and is home to 21 per cent of the UK games workforce.

As part of 2DigitalDays, companies also attended ‘LAUNCH Future Gaming and Digital conference’ at Birmingham Science Park Aston, which hosted more than 200 of Europe’s rising stars and industry leaders and was held as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week. Key-note speakers included experts from Google UK, Blitz Games and Microsoft’s Rare Games Studio.

In addition to LAUNCH, the visitors also took part in tours of Birmingham, its digital districts and digital media companies. These included visits to Microsoft’s Rare Games studio, BAFTA award-winning firm Codemasters, Birmingham City University’s Gamer Camp programme and an interactive tour of BBC Birmingham at the iconic Mailbox. The businesses that attended 2DigitalDays also had access to a VIP press and media briefing with top industry press, as well as a 1-2-1 meeting programme and networking drinks reception and dinner.

Said Sarah Darch, Investment Manager for Business Birmingham:

It’s no secret that Birmingham has one of the most thriving digital sectors in the UK, led by companies such as Sega, Maverick TV, Activision and Centresoft, who have already made the area their home. 2DigitalDays enabled businesses across Birmingham to share our big plans in this area, as well as giving our delegates the opportunity to link up with leading companies and industry experts from the sector.”

German Ambassador opens Frankfurt Christmas Market

Birmingham has reinforced its close connections with Germany by hosting a number of events to build on its links with German organisations and highlight that the city is a leading destination for business.

A visit from the German Ambassador to the UK, Georg Boomgaarden, on 17-18 November included a visit to E.ON in Ironbridge and ThyssenKrupp in Witton. Law firm DLA Piper – which has five offices in Germany – also hosted a dinner with Business Birmingham, the inward investment programme of Marketing Birmingham, for a number of German businesses based in the city. 

The dinner was attended by 40 guests including representatives from Gerhlicher Solar AG, Jewi Renewable Energies Ltd, Bosch Thermotechnology, Ostermann UK, Chiltern Railways, Forresters Patent Agents and PWC, who discussed the barriers and opportunities for business in light of the current economic challenges facing Europe. 

The Ambassador and the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Anita Ward, also officially opened the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham city centre on 17 November, on the invitation of Birmingham City Council and Business Birmingham. The Market last year boosted the local economy by nearly £90 million. Frankfurt has been twinned with Birmingham since 1966; both cities are regarded as well-connected transportation hubs, and Frankfurt’s urban population of 2.3 million people is similar to Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull. 

 Herr Boomgaarden said: 

The Frankfurt Christmas Market, which has been part of Birmingham’s Christmas celebrations for more than a decade, represents the important relationship between these dynamic twin cities. It is a pleasure to be opening the Market this year, and meeting with some of the German companies based in Birmingham – which has established itself as a leading European business location.” 

 Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, commented:  

Birmingham’s economic links with Germany have created thousands of jobs and helped to drive our local economy forward – and the similarities between Birmingham and Frankfurt in particular have generated huge benefits for both cities. By celebrating our partner city status, we can strengthen our close relationship with businesses in Germany and highlight how Birmingham can provide an outstanding UK base for their overseas operations.” 

There are more than 300 German-owned companies based across Birmingham and Solihull, including Deutsche Bank, ThyssenKrupp and Continental Ag. In the last decade, the country’s investment into the area has created nearly 1,000 new jobs. Since 1991, the West Midlands region has attracted 232 investments from Germany. 

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham, said:  

With its central transport connections, skilled workforce and industry expertise, Birmingham is continuing to attract foreign direct investment from across Europe. On average, each German investment into Birmingham creates or safeguards 50 jobs – with our strong automotive and financial services sectors performing particularly well. The events that have taken place this week will continue to build up the city’s profile with overseas businesses, generating investment and boosting growth.” 

Mark Beardmore, partner at DLA Piper, said:  

We were delighted to host this prestigious event. The nature of our clients and transactions has become increasingly international over recent years and just recently our Birmingham and Frankfurt corporate teams worked closely together to complete a cross border transaction for EDiF Group." 

Frankfurt City Councillor Volker Stein added:  

Birmingham and Frankfurt have been partner cities for 45 years – with the Frankfurt Christmas Market demonstrating how both cities can work together. The atmosphere at the opening of the Market was incredible, and shows how welcoming Birmingham is for visitors from overseas.” 

Business Birmingham and the city’s business community are joining forces once more to promote Birmingham’s investment opportunities at MIPIM 2012, the world’s leading real estate event. 

Birmingham is hosting an extensive events programme during each day of MIPIM. The city will be showcasing its strengths in connectivity and infrastructure, and outlining investment opportunities resulting from initiatives including the Big City Plan and HS2. The involvement of 16 partners from the private and public sectors across the city, meanwhile, will demonstrate its collaborative environment and supportive business networks.  

The partners gathered on 17th November at Squire Sanders Hammonds’ offices in Birmingham, to discuss the themes and key events that will help to promote Birmingham to MIPIM’s 18,600 attendees from 90 countries. 

 Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, commented:  

Birmingham is proof of how the public and private sectors can work together to successfully regenerate a city. Major infrastructure schemes such as New Street Station’s Gateway project and the £188.8 million Library of Birmingham are transforming the city for businesses and residents alike by creating jobs and boosting the local economy. Whilst efforts to align our investment strategy with our visitor economy plans have clearly helped Birmingham to create a development pipeline of 28 hotels. 

This year we are already working closely together to create a powerful and targeted campaign at MIPIM 2012, but there are still opportunities for new partners to join us. Showcasing Birmingham to thousands of international delegates, financiers, investors and developers will undoubtedly continue to grow the city’s profile as a leading business destination – and attract private sector funding to grow its pipeline of new developments even further.”

Simon Dingle, Operations Director with Carillion, Birmingham City Council’s construction partner for the new Library of Birmingham, added: 

Birmingham’s interactive stand at MIPIM 2011 was a huge success; it raised the city’s profile significantly with investors, despite competition from other locations both across the UK and internationally. We are looking forward to be taking part in the event again next year, to boost Birmingham’s reputation even further.” 

Birmingham will have plenty to showcase at MIPIM 2012, including the establishment of the UK’s only Enterprise Zone in a city centre location, and its growing visitor economy – which rose to 32.8 million in 2010 from 32.6 million in 2009, bucking the national trend of a decline in visitor numbers. The city is also spending more on transport infrastructure during the next five years than it has in the past 25 years. 

Marketing Birmingham will deal exclusively with any foreign direct investment (FDI) enquiries from UKTI and lead activity for Greater Birmingham through its inward investment programme, Business Birmingham. The organisation will work closely with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, which continues to manage inward investment activity for the Solihull area. 

 The agreement enables Marketing Birmingham and UKTI to work together on promoting the area by sharing their knowledge, project leads and relationship management with potential investors. 

Neil Rami, Chief Executive at Marketing Birmingham, commented: 

By working closely with UKTI, Business Birmingham will be a central point of contact for international companies looking to invest and local business seeking expansion opportunities in the area – driving more investment and job creation.  

This coordinated approach will see Business Birmingham work jointly with UKTI to promote the area as a dynamic location with a talented and diverse workforce, world-leading research expertise and well connected transport network.” 

Martin Phelan, Director of Investment at UKTI, added:  

The Midlands remains a key driver of economic growth in the UK, with established expertise in industries such as manufacturing, low-carbon R&D and business services. Working closely with local programmes such as Business Birmingham will help to boost overall inward investment into the UK and support our drive toward increasing our share of investment from sectors with high-growth potential."

As part of the MoU, Marketing Birmingham secured the endorsement of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to liaise directly with UKTI. Steve Hollis, Deputy Chair of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, said: 

This is a significant step forward for the Greater Birmingham region. With competition so fierce to attract foreign direct investment, this new partnership with UKTI, managed by Business Birmingham, has the prospect of generating greater levels of new inward investment to the area.”

UKTI manages the delivery of support for prospective foreign direct investors by liaising with local partners across the UK. This is achieved through its UK First approach, which provides a coherent and coordinated offer to potential investors by providing access to advisers, identifying expansion opportunities, highlighting the UK’s strengths and pooling resources with other organisations. 

The Midlands is the most attractive destination for inward investment outside of London, according to Ernst & Young’s most recent European Attractiveness Survey. In addition, Birmingham has attracted the most FDI – by value and the number of jobs created – of any city outside London in the last 12 months. 

To find out how your business could benefit from locating or expanding in Birmingham please call 0121 202 5115 or email invest@marketingbirmingham.com. 

Hundreds of new jobs, new businesses and new visitors are on the horizon for Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull through a new three year inward investment and visitor marketing campaign.

The campaign will raise the profile of the area as a place to do business, invest, visit and host major events.

Initially 500 new jobs will be created in the ERDF area, with the potential to generate an additional 4,500 in the wider area. Funding will also help to attract an anticipated 50 new businesses to the region and help 500 local businesses improve their performance.

The Investing in the City Region project has been awarded over £8.8 million from the European Regional Development Fund which is managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government, with Marketing Birmingham and its partners providing the match funding to create a total budget of over £17 million for the campaign’s activities.

Communities Minister Baroness Hanham CBE stresses the importance of support to these areas. She said:

Attracting new businesses to these areas is essential to building a prosperous future and new investment brings new jobs and opportunities for local people. The project shows a unique example of how a number of areas and can work together to improve the overall performance and economy of the local area. I am delighted that we are able to help support the delivery of this important project.”

Activity will also support the area’s economic growth by providing support services to local businesses. The campaign brings together the efforts of a number of regional partners to promote the area as a visitor and business destination, stimulating economic growth and job creation including Marketing Birmingham, Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Airport, Centro, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and the Black Country Authorities. This joined-up approach reflects how national and international audiences view the area as a whole, rather than as individual locations.

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham, which led the funding bid, said:

Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull have growing reputations as places to do business, invest and visit. By working with partners to coordinate promotional and business support activity we can build on this success and really focus on activities that will attract new companies, talented workers and visitors to the region.

In today’s fiscally challenging times it is important for destinations’ to realise the potential of their visitor economy and offer to the business and investor community in order to stimulate economic growth and create jobs for local people. This funding will help us do that.”

To find out more about the project, contact Tim Manson on 0121 202 5020 or tim.manson@marketingbirmingham.com

Aston’s School of Life and Health Sciences is working with Spectrum Théa to offer improved health support and advice to patients. Aston has a strong research tradition in ophthalmic care. The researchers will be providing members of the pharmaceutical team with expert clinical knowledge and support with regard to a range of eye conditions including blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, and dry eye.

The collaboration, created through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), will also provide an opportunity for increased awareness of ocular health and nutrition among patients and health practitioners. KTP’s are designed to allow businesses to access University knowledge and expertise, with Aston having a strong track record in this area.

Dr Hannah Bartlett, lead Academic on the project said:

‘This partnership provides a unique opportunity to improve public awareness of the link between nutrition and eye disease, and to translate our expertise in the role of nutritional supplements for ocular disease into practical support for Spectrum Thea, eye care professionals, and patients.’

Philip Lewis Williams, Managing Director at Spectrum- Théa added:

‘We are delighted to be working with Aston University and to have a KTP involved in the business. In the past 3 years we have established ourselves as a leading provider of quality ophthalmic medicines in the UK and lead the way in providing preservative free pharmaceuticals for the ophthalmic profession. We envisage that the KTP will help in many facets of training, materials, research and presentations during this very exciting growth stage.’

Aston University has been involved in KTP’s with a wide range of high profile public and private sector organisations including E.On, Tata Motors, and the NHS. This commitment to liaising and providing support to business has seen Aston place at 12th nationally for university KTP activity according to statistics published by the Government’s Technology Strategy Board.

For further information on this project and to discover more about working in partnership with Aston University contact Claire Hopkins in the Business Partnership Unit on 0121 204 4542 or c.l.hopkins@aston.ac.uk

£25m fund provides new type of finance and will create thousands of jobs 

A finance model pioneered by four Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) from across the UK will provide a new way for SMEs to secure investment for growth, despite existing difficult lending conditions. 

Four LEPs – Black Country, Coventry and Warwickshire, Greater Birmingham and Solihull and Liverpool City Region – have bid successfully for a £25 million Regional Growth Fund (RGF) grant, which will provide funding for suppliers in the advanced engineering supply chain. The process, also the first time a group of LEPs have jointly applied for a RGF grant, was coordinated by Birmingham City Council and inward investment programme Business Birmingham with equal input from the four LEPs. Rather than focusing on regional investment, the funding model is sector-led. 

The grant will provide approximately 10% – 20% of the finance required by suppliers to prepare for new orders. This reduces the level of risk for other lenders, making it more likely that the supplier will be able to access the remaining funding required – driving inward investment into the sector. Because the grant must be repaid, it is renewable funding that will be used repeatedly to provide liquidity for a number of businesses along the supply chain. 

 Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, commented: 

This renewable grant sets a precedent for a new type of finance, particularly for SMEs. At a time when many companies are struggling to secure funding through traditional routes, this kind of grant provides new opportunities for businesses development and economic growth, and a template that other sectors and LEPs can use.” 

Andy Street, Chair of Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, said: 

This bid for funding was shaped by a sector-led economic strategy for the benefit of the UK’s advanced engineering industry, rather than one specific region. Together, the LEPs identified an immediate need for these SMEs to receive finance, which will provide them with enough capital to take more orders and encourage job creation.

By lowering the risk of investing in local supply chains, this funding will help to boost foreign direct investment into the LEP regions. It will create opportunities in a wide range of sectors, from aerospace and automotive to manufacturing and low-carbon R&D, further cementing the UK’s position as the leading European destination for inward investment.” 

Stewart Towe, Chairman of Black Country LEP, said: 

This is great news for the Black Country and in particular SMEs in the sub-region. The financial support this scheme offers is crucial and will encourage business innovation and ensure that local manufacturing receives the support it needs to grow, while the quantity of jobs resulting from this growth and their related skill set within the supply chain will make a significant impact for businesses throughout the region.  

This scheme offers much needed investment opportunities to SMEs based in the Black Country, Birmingham and Liverpool and as such we are delighted to be part of a successful cross LEP RGF bid, and very much look forward to strengthening our productive working relationship going forward.” 

Denys Shortt, Chair of Coventry and Warwickshire LEP, added: 

This has been designed to boost cross-border economic growth for companies, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries, with the specific aim of boosting economic growth. Our High Value Manufacturing Focus Group has worked very hard on this bid – along with partners – so this news is very welcome.” 

The funding will ensure that British advanced engineering SMEs remain globally competitive and can capitalise on the growth of companies such as JLR, which recently announced that it is building a £355 million engine production plant in the West Midlands, creating some 2,750 jobs in the region. 

The announcement sees new services offered to Rome, Dubrovnik, Milan, Venice and Heraklion from summer 2012, taking the total routes served by the airline to 29. Monarch’s growth in operations also includes the addition of a further two Airbus A320 aircraft to its fleet at Birmingham from March next year, increasing the number based at the Airport to six.

This news highlights the confidence shown in Birmingham as an ambitious and proactive airport and will see a further 151,000 seats available. The creation of up to 200 new jobs is also a huge boost at a time when the Midlands continues to feel the pressures of economic uncertainty.

Paul Kehoe, Birmingham Airport’s chief executive officer and chairman of Marketing Birmingham, said,

We are delighted with Monarch’s announcement regarding growth at Birmingham. The increase in the choice of routes served by Monarch underpins the confidence the airline has in the future growth of our region. In a difficult market it is encouraging to see this expansion also supporting the creation of up to 200 jobs.

With the Airport’s considerable investment in facilities and with plans to commit £100m over the next 10 years, the industry is clearly impressed with the work we are doing. We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the airline and we look forward to working further with Monarch and building on our successful partnership with them to promote and launch their new routes.”

Commenting on the expansion plans from Birmingham, Managing Director of Monarch Airlines, Kevin George said,

The strategy for Monarch Airlines is now firmly focused on its scheduled operations and we are delighted to be adding these new routes to our already extensive network of leisure destinations across Europe from Birmingham. Since launching scheduled services from Birmingham in Summer 2005, Monarch’s operation has continued to grow from strength to strength and we have expanded our operations based on customer demand.

We are all very excited to be adding two additional aircraft to our Birmingham fleet and introducing our first flights to Italy and Croatia, which is fantastic news for our customers in the Midlands and cements Birmingham as one of Monarch’s key UK airports.”

A delegation of leading civic, business and education organisations from Birmingham – including the city’s inward investment programme, Business Birmingham – visited sister city Chicago in October to promote closer links and investment opportunities.

The successful five-day trip included meetings between Council leader Mike Whitby and the senior management of new Cadbury’s owners Kraft Foods. Alongside officials from Birmingham Airport, the delegation also met with one of the world’s largest airlines, Chicago-based UNITED Airlines, and the Chicago Aviation Commissioner, to highlight the need for direct flights between the two cities to be re-introduced. Additional meetings took place with Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago.

Representatives from Business Birmingham, The University of Birmingham and Birmingham City University also visited the US city to promote Birmingham as a centre of business, investment and educational opportunity.

Cllr Whitby said:

Birmingham enjoys a special relationship with Chicago. We have been twinned since 1993 and particularly with the investment of Kraft Foods in Bournville, continue to develop and strengthen our links with the city. The US is a prime target for our investment drive and promoting the opportunities for US companies to build on the success of Kraft’s investment is key.”

The US is the largest inward investor to Birmingham and the West Midlands, investing £2 billion since 2003. Over 350 North American companies, including Microsoft, Motorola and Kraft Foods – which is headquartered in Chicago – provide employment for 60,000 people in the area.

In addition to visiting Chicago, Wouter Schuitemaker, Investment Director at Business Birmingham, met with businesses and inward investment experts in New York. The two trips are part of a wider drive by Business Birmingham’s team to attract US investment to the city, which includes a delegation visiting Atlanta in November, plus trips to San Francisco and Orlando in March 2012.

Schuitemaker added:

Our visit to Chicago was highly successful, enabling us to meet a number of businesses and inward investment specialists and highlight how Birmingham is an attractive destination for US companies. The similarities between the two cities – such as our connected transport networks, strong financial services sector and manufacturing expertise – further demonstrates why it is advantageous for businesses in Chicago to locate overseas operations in Birmingham.

The US is a leading investor in Birmingham, and remains a key market for the city. While there are opportunities for us to attract investment from developing markets, the strong relationship between the US and UK will play a crucial role in encouraging economic growth locally. With many US businesses looking to set up departments overseas, we are continuing to raise Birmingham’s profile internationally to make the most of this opportunity.”

The special US-UK trade relationship continues to grow. The US invested $9.37billion in the UK in 2010. This investment was made across 340 projects and created 32,450 jobs. Job creation by US companies in the UK is looking strong; results from the first two months of 2011 show a rise of 78% – almost doubling last year’s performance. On this basis the number of jobs created would hit 58,000 by the end of the year, compared with 32,450 last year.

Birmingham recently ranked in the top 20 ‘best city to locate a business’ by Cushman & Wakefield’s European Cities Monitor 2011 (18th). Birmingham is one of only three UK cities to feature in the survey’s top 20. Birmingham was also 26th in terms of growth in investment among global cities – up by nearly 60% – the second highest growth rate of any UK city.

Held at the world-class International Convention Centre (ICC) from October 26-28, Solar Power UK brings together all segments of the solar industry, with the conference expected to attracted around 600 delegates from the photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal sectors.

There will be several key-note speakers at the event, including Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker, with other members of DECC also attending the conference. The event will be supported by Business Birmingham, the city’s official inward investment programme, who will be hosting five local businesses on a stand at the exhibition.

Birmingham is already a pioneer in the use of solar technology and boasts one of the largest domestic PV programmes in the UK, which is delivered by the Birmingham Energy Savers initiative.

The project is a Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Environmental partnership, working with organisations across the city, which aims to help the people of Birmingham to become more energy efficient and help protect the environment, often through the installation of PV panels. Plans have already commenced by Birmingham City Council to install solar panels on the 10,000 council rooftops.

Said Business Birmingham Investment Manager Martyn Mangan:

It’s only fitting that Solar Power UK has relocated to Birmingham, which already leads the way as a sustainable, future-proof city and is committed to using green technologies. The recently-published report by Cushman & Wakefield supports this claim, which saw Birmingham rise from 27th to 22nd in terms of ‘best cities in terms of freedom of pollution’ highlighting how the city continues to drive forward innovation within this sector. We look forward to welcoming over 160 solar power companies to the ICC for the event."

Solar Power UK comprises a full three-day exhibition, at least four specialised conferences and additional training sessions and educational seminars. This year’s comprehensive main conference will explore government policy, the industry supply chain, and key themes to support a sustainable solar future in the UK.

Through the Leadership and Management Advisory Service, senior leaders of businesses with the potential to achieve high growth have a great opportunity to develop their leadership and management skills.

This offer is available to private sector businesses or social enterprises with:

• fewer than 250 full time equivalent employees

• at least one employee in addition to the senior leader

• the potential for high or fast growth

For more information and to apply, visit the EMB website, call 0845 894 8969 or email LMAS@embltd.co.uk. EMB delivers the Leadership and Management Advisory Service in Central England on behalf of the Skills Funding Agency.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

NEXT HEAD OF CHAMBER CALLS FOR UNITY IN PROMOTING BIRMINGHAM

The president in waiting of the Birmingham Chamber Group has called for an end to “turf wars” and closer unity between the city’s business groups to help get the region’s economy moving again... Gateley boss Michael Ward said: “It’s important that the Chamber and organisations like Marketing Birmingham, the IoD, the CBI and Birmingham Forward work closely with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership and the city council... Meanwhile, the number of members on the chamber’s books fell by 174 in the financial year, to 2,909. Its new patrons are E.ON and National Express. Business Birmingham, the city’s official inward investment programme, has become a patron of the British American Business Council.

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NEW PATRONS SWITCH ON TO THE CHAMBER GROUP

E.ON, one of the UK's leading energy companies employing around 12,000 people in the UK, and National Express, one of Birmingham's biggest employers, have become patrons of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. Business Birmingham, the city's official inward investment programme and part of Marketing Birmingham's destination marketing strategy has become a patron of the British American Business Council.

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CUTTING-EDGE RESARCH FACILITY ON TRACK AT UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK

A state-of-the-art medical research facility being built by Rugby-based construction firm Stepnell at Warwick Medical School has reached roof level and is on course for completion in December 2011... The £4.3 million building, funded by the University of Warwick, Advantage West Midlands for Birmingham Science City and the Wolfson Foundation, adjoins the Clinical Trials Unit building on the university’s Gibbet Hill Road campus.

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BIRMINGHAM – A GOOD PLACE FOR BUSINESS

The city of Birmingham has recently been given a welcome double dose of good news for business.

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BIRMINGHAM LIES IN 18TH PLACE IN THE LIST OF LEADING BUSINESS CITIES IN EUROPE

Birmingham still trails Manchester as a location to do business, according to an influential international survey – although the city has made strides in tackling pollution and transport... Neil Rami, chief executive of Marketing Birmingham, said: “Building on today’s poll, another report published by Cushman & Wakefield last week put Birmingham at 16th in the world’s top 25 university cities in terms of the range and quality of institutions – with the second highest score of any UK city behind Edinburgh.

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BIRMINGHAM POST BUSINESS AWARDS 2011: WINNERS REVEALED AT GLITTERING ICC CEREMONY

An automotive business that has flourished through the recession was the big winner at this year’s Birmingham Post Business Awards.

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MANUFACTURING GROWTH: REASONS TO BE OPTIMISTIC

Manufacturers in the Midlands have a great deal to be optimistic about despite the difficult economic climate, sector specialists have said. Recent announcements such as Jaguar Land Rover’s decision to build a new £355m engine plant on a site in South Staffordshire and proposals to create 1,200 new jobs with the expansion of the Rolls-Royce/Goodrich joint venture Aero Engine Controls in Birmingham..

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SCIENCE PARK LINKS START-UPS TO INVESTORS WORLDWIDE

Entrepreneurs at Birmingham Science Park Aston are now able to pitch their ideas to investors from around the world following the launch of a new initiative.

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WHITBY TO HELP KRAFT CHICAGO LINKS

The leader of Birmingham Council is set to meet with senior management at Kraft Foods as part of a delegation visit to Chicago... Representatives from Business Birmingham, The University of Birmingham and Birmingham City University, will also visit the US city to promote Birmingham as a centre of business, investment and educational opportunity. Coverage of our imminent Chicago visit in Insider Media, following aforementioned Marketing Birmingham press release.

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Business Birmingham’s visit to Chicago, starting today- Marketing Birmingham’s PR team worked with partners including Birmingham City Council, the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City University to produce a release highlighting our imminent presence in America

BIRMINGHAM COURTS FRESH US INVESTMENTS

The city of Birmingham is bucking the trend by switching its drive for inward investment away from China and India to focus on the US, where the west Midlands region has been losing ground in recent years. Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham city council, is leading a delegation of civic, business and education officials to Chicago this week, where he is due to meet Irene Rosenfeld, chief executive of Kraft Foods – the region’s largest investor with its £12bn takeover of Cadbury last year… Article written by John Murray Brown, Midlands correspondent for the Financial Times who attended The Birmingham Chefs Alliance Dinner. Quotes from Neil Rami and Wouter Schuitemaker.

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Birmingham is among the best cities in Europe in which to do business, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s latest European Cities Monitor. The city ranked 18th ‘best city to locate a business’ in this year’s survey - the same position it held a year ago. Birmingham is also one of only three UK cities to feature in the survey’s top 20 - bolstering its position as a leading location for business.

With the current economic challenges facing Europe, it is good news that Birmingham has retained its top 20 ranking and emerged as a solid bet for businesses to locate. “The city’s focus on creating a connected, skilled and dynamic location saw it improve its standing in access to telecommunications and cost of staff. Our 1.2million square feet of available office space and 5.15million square feet in the development pipeline also helped the city maintain 4th position in the availability of office space category.

Birmingham’s green credentials were recognised as it shot up from 27th to 22nd in the ‘best cities in terms of freedom from pollution’ while our significant investment in the city’s transport infrastructure, including the £600million redevelopment of New Street station and £65million runway extension at Birmingham Airport, saw it rise from 10th to 6th place in ‘best cities in terms of external transport links’. London, in first place, is the only other UK city in the top ten of this list.

Building on today’s poll, another report published by Cushman & Wakefield last week put Birmingham at 16th in the world’s top 25 university cities in terms of the range and quality of institutions - with the 2nd highest score of any UK city behind Edinburgh. The city was also 26th in terms of growth in investment among global cities - up by nearly 60% - the second highest growth rate of any UK city.

Together these results demonstrate Birmingham’s growing reputation as a leading European business city and its ability to deliver the environment needed to attract and retain major investment. Jaguar Land Rover’s recent announcement of a new £355million engine production plant in the West Midlands is an example of the confidence the private sector has in the city’s ability to deliver despite economically challenging times.”

Working with innovative healthcare company Insight Health Limited, the Microbiology team within Aston University’s School of Life and Health Sciences has developed a revolutionary cleaning solution that will help to tackle the serious problem of hospital ‘superbugs’.

The KTP project has resulted in the development ofa novel hard surface solution (germination biocide) for elimination of spores of Clostridium difficile; the leading healthcare associated infection in the UK. Whilst current methods of eliminating C. difficile spores within the healthcare setting require unpleasant sporicidal agents such as bleach, the microbiology team has developed a now patented, user friendly prototype solution, which germinates the otherwise hardy and resistant spores of C. difficile and eliminates them with specific antimicrobials contained within the solution. Although the product is not yet at a marketable stage, it is a major step forward in the search for novel products to help control healthcare-associated infections which currently cost the NHS about £1 billion per year.

Insight Health’s Managing Director, John Rawlinson said:

We already have the route to market for this product and appropriate infrastructure but we required a centre of expertise to drive novel product development in this area. The link with the microbiology team at Aston University through the KTP project has been the first stage in allowing us to explore novel strategies for infection control as they have an extensive microbiological knowledge base and an excellent track record in research. 

In addition to the patented prototype germination solution, the KTP project also generated three full research manuscripts in high-ranking microbiology journals and the work has been presented at the European Congress for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (ECCMID).

Dr Tony Worthington, lead academic on the project, said:

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) aim to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology, stimulate relevant academic research and provide company based training for Associates to develop specialist skills. The KTP between Aston University and Insight Health Ltd was awarded ‘A’ grade (outstanding) by the assessors because it clearly fulfilled all of the KTP aims and objectives. This KTP project flowed smoothly throughout its 27-month duration and allowed the microbiology team (Dr Tony Worthington, Prof Peter Lambert, Dr Laura Wheeldon) at Aston University to strengthen their links with Insight Health Ltd whilst also undertaking relevant research in line with Aston’s strategy. A key element of a successful KTP is to remember that it is a three-way project where the industrial base, the knowledge base and the Associate must benefit. In this project, Insight Health Ltd has benefited through the development of a patented product, the microbiology team and Aston University have benefited through strong research publications and further international recognition, and the KTP Associate, Dr Laura Wheeldon, has benefited as she now holds a senior position working in the scientific industry.

Aston University have a strong record in collaborating with industry. If you would like to find out how working with us could transform your organisation please contact the Business Partnership Unit on 0121 204 4242 or bpu@aston.ac.uk

The newly opened Aston Brain Centre (ABC) brings together a unique suite of equipment and facilities for related areas of brain research, from child development to healthy ageing. The Centre specialises in areas including epilepsy, dyslexia, autism, ADHD, sleeping disorders and metabolic disease. The ABC will also provide a referral service for the National Health Service (NHS), providing innovative diagnostic services unavailable within the NHS. 

The facility will house:

• A whole brain paediatric magnetoencephalography (MEG) scanner. This is the only MEG scanner of its kind in Europe and one of only three in the world
• A new human brain tissue lab with specialist electrophysiology rigs for the study of brain cell function
• Sleep Research Laboratories providing the first facility for the study of neurological and psychiatric sleep disorders, with particular interest in diagnosis and drug therapies
• A Dyslexia and Developmental Assessment Unit to provide a range of psychological assessments for dyslexia for both children and adults
• A Human Brain Tissue Laboratory, run in collaboration with the Birmingham Children’s Hospital and University of Newcastle.

The new £5m purpose-built Centre was officially opened by Tim Melville-Ross CBE (Friday, 7th October 2011), Chair of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

Speaking at the launch, Professor Paul Furlong, Director of the new Aston Brain Centre at Aston University said:

“Aston University has a 40-year track record of research leadership in the study of brain development and imaging. Our team of scientists will be working to understand how the brain works in health and disease, using the latest technology to study all aspects of brain function throughout a person’s life from individual brain cells through to the whole brain.”

Professor Julia King, Vice-Chancellor of Aston University, said:

“At Aston University we believe that for research to be at its most productive, it must be rooted in patient based experience and knowledge. The Centre is one of the most advanced brain imaging research facilities in the world and it will both enable the delivery of world-class research, and the translation of that research into unparalleled patient-care for the people of Birmingham and beyond.”

The ABC is supported by HEFCE, the Wellcome Trust, Aston University, the Dr Hadwen Trust for Humane Research and the Lord Dowding Fund for Humane Research. The ABC is committed to the development of humane research techniques for the replacement of animals in neuroscience research.

Kailah Eglington, Chief Executive of the Dr Hadwen Trust for Humane Research, said:

“Our funding has allowed Professor Furlong and the team at Aston University to carry out a whole array of human brain research without using animals in areas including behaviour, epilepsy, pain, hearing, speech and language, drug development for neurological diseases like depression and Alzheimer’s. The DHT is proud to have contributed to this very successful partnership which has in turn led to the opening of the new Aston Brain Centre.”

Jan Creamer, Chief Executive of the Lord Dowding Fund for Humane Research, which sponsors non-animal scientific and medical research added:

“The Aston Brain Centre stands right at the cutting edge of neurological research, and we are proud to play our part in helping fund the project. We recently donated £450,000 to the University towards humane research with another £200,000 to follow in the next few years. It is projects like this which show the research potential of groundbreaking, cutting edge technologies without the use of animals, and set an example for others to follow. We are delighted to continue to provide funds to the Aston Brain Centre, and applaud its foresight in making use of new technologies, and rejecting outdated animal testing methods.”

For further media information or images please contact Louise Russell, Communications Officer, Aston University on 0121 204 4637 or email l.a.russell1@aston.ac.uk

The four-year transnational Energetic Algae – or EnAlgae – project, led by Swansea University, is a strategic initiative funded by the INTERREG IVB North West Europe Programme and backed with £629,000 from the Targeted Match Fund through the Welsh Government, together with a range of co-sponsors.

It involves 19 Partners and 13 Observers across eight EU member states; France, Belgium, UK, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, and aims to reduce CO2 emissions and dependency on unsustainable energy sources, through the accelerated development and deployment of algal-based biomass and bioenergy technologies.

Greenhouse Gas emissions

In 2009, the EC Greenhouse Gas Inventory reported that North West Europe was responsible for more than 40 per cent of the EU’s total Greenhouse Gas emissions. This was due to the region’s high population density and its intensive level of industrial and rural development.

Given such considerable pressures on the environment and current energy sources, sustainable bioenergy innovations could help provide a solution to tackling CO2 emissions across the region, encouraging growth of a Low Carbon Economy.

Currently, algal bioenergy technologies are immature, but rapid advances are being made in the field.

The EnAlgae initiative will allow expert centres across North West Europe to form an integrated pilot network to support and accelerate the development of new algal-based technologies to the point of commercialisation.

The project is unique in developing best practices that will influence European policies on algal biomass production, bioenergy and bioremediation technologies, thereby de-risking and accelerating commercialisation of the sector.

Industry-focused research

The project’s manager Dr Robin Shields, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research (CSAR) at Swansea University’s College of Science, said:

“Algal bioenergy has been identified as a strategic priority by the INTERREG IVB NWE Programme. The EnAlgae expert partnership has been formed to develop and implement technologies tailored to the unique socio-economic and environmental conditions of North West Europe. Thanks to close transnational cooperation, EnAlgae partners and stakeholders will gain access to those sustainable technologies most suited to their local operating conditions. As project lead partner, Swansea University is delighted to extend its industry-focused research on algal bioremediation and biorefinery technologies, in partnership with acknowledged experts from across North West Europe.”

As a partner in the project, Birmingham City University’s Centre for Low Carbon Research will be leading the development of a decision support system. Using expertise within its knowledge based engineering and bioenergy groups, this innovative and interactive tool will empower a range of stakeholders (from operators to policy makers) to make more accurate and informed decisions about bioenergy provision in the future.

Dr Lynsey Melville - Director of the Centre (as pictured above) for Low Carbon Research Said

“Bioenergy from algae offers many advantages over traditional biofuel crops, however it is important that we ensure that cultivation and conversion processes are both environmentally sustainable and commercially viable. This collaborative project will capture expert knowledge and data from across the entire bioenergy delivery chain. Information will be used to produce a sophisticated and adaptive decision support systems which will help to communicate best practice, drive innovation and guide future policy towards more focused action in the region.”

Professor Craig Chapman – Head of the Knowledge Based Engineering Lab said:

“The creation of a semantically rich information model, built within a decisions support system will enable stakeholders and policy makers to make informed decisions based on captured best practice. The decision support system will assist in the future development of Bioenergy by the use of collaborative knowledge sharing and support throughout the process lifecycle”

For further information please contact Dr Lynsey Melville, Faculty of Technology Engineering and Environment, Birmingham City University, Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG, lynsey.melville@bcu.ac.uk 0121 331 5457

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) announced last week that it is planning to build a £355m engine production plant in the West Midlands directly creating approximately 750 jobs.

Business Birmingham estimates the new plant could lead to an additional 2000 jobs for local companies in the supply chain – providing a significant opportunity to attract new investors to the West Midlands.

JLR’s announcement, part of its long-term growth plans and evidence of its commitment to the West Midlands, will help boost the area’s reputation as a location for automotive, manufacturing and advanced engineering. The new facility will manufacture advanced technology, low-emission 4 cylinder engines at i54 South Staffordshire, a business park in the Black Country’s new enterprise zone.

Dr Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer, JLR, said:

As we invest £1.5 billion a year for the next five years on new product developments, expanding our engine range will help us realise the full global potential of the Jaguar and Land Rover brands. The all-new family of 4 cylinder engines will increase JLR's capability to offer high performance engines with class-leading levels of refinement, whilst ensuring continued significant reductions in vehicle emissions.”

Martyn Mangan, Business Birmingham Investment Manager, said,

The success of Jaguar Land Rover is indicative of the wider West Midlands economy.

As one of the area's largest employers and internationally renowned brands, this £355million investment in the new plant is an important demonstration of its commitment to the area and the value it places on our world class transport technologies and R&D workforce and facilities.

Jaguar Land Rover is a global brand and its commitment to the West Midlands is a powerful sign to other global manufacturers, automotive and beyond, that this area can provide the talent, skills, connectivity, scale and support needed for business diversity and growth.”

Mangan leads on the transport technologies and manufacturing sectors for Business Birmingham where his extensive experience of working with both the automotive and aerospace industries is invaluable in helping to drive inward investment to the Greater Birmingham area.

Business Birmingham will capitalise on JLR’s announcement in its efforts to attract inward investment to the city region. Mangan continues,

We will be using JLR's investment as an example of the confidence major companies and brands have in Birmingham’s offering to potential investors.”

Birmingham’s offer

The West Midlands’ established reputation as a manufacturing and automotive hub of expertise remains a vital factor in its local economy. Its extensive R&D facilities including the Vehicle Engine Facility (VEF) located at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of Warwick – the UK’s only purpose built hybrid powertrain testing facility for the automotive sector that is not owned and operated by an individual automotive company, offers enormous potential for the automotive industry.

The city region is also investing in the next generation of engineers to ensure the sector has access to the skills needed to thrive. The Aston University Engineering Academy, scheduled to open in September 2012, will offer extensive training opportunities to ensure the West Midlands retains its automotive expertise through its young people.

Mangan says,

Birmingham has an international reputation in the automotive sector, but it is a very competitive industry and we cannot afford to be complacent. By working with partners such as JLR we are also training the next generation of world class engineers and investing in the technology to ensure we remain at the top of the automotive industry’s location list.”

To find out how your business could benefit from locating or expanding in Birmingham please call 0121 202 5115 or email invest@marketingbirmingham.com

Business Birmingham attended CoreNet’s Global summit in Paris last week to meet international corporate real estate professionals and find out more about the latest trends and challenges facing the industry.

CoreNet Global is the world’s leading association for corporate real estate (CRE) and workplace professionals, service providers and economic developers. The two-day conference, attended by over 400 international delegates, focused on the changing nature of working patterns and how work spaces need to respond to this shift through the introduction of advanced technology.

The trend towards more flexible work practices, coupled with the fact that people are living and working longer hours, has resulted in the need for spaces that can adapt to a variety of needs. CoreNet offered an opportunity to raise awareness of how Birmingham is responding to these changes and promote the range of flexible spaces the city has to offer.

Delegates also discussed the younger generation’s level of expectation when it comes to technology at work – with access to the latest innovations in homes and Higher Education institutions, young people expect at least the same level of connectivity when they join the workplace.

Dobrowolski said,

Discussions around the expectations of younger people were particularly relevant for Business Birmingham as we are the youngest city in Europe. Touch screen and mobile technologies are fast becoming the norm and expectations are constantly evolving.

Over 40% of the city’s population is under the age of 25 and with more than 100,000 graduates leaving the region’s universities every year, we need to lead the way in addressing this issue and ensuring we have the technological advantage over our competitors.”

He continues,

Employers also need to be mindful of the fact that technology needs to be appropriate for a range of users - from graduates to experienced workers, employees have the right to the same level of user experience wherever they are based.”

Attendance at high-profile industry events is an integral element of Business Birmingham’s programme of activities to raising awareness of the skills and attributes that make the city a leading business location for an international audience.

Business Birmingham offers a comprehensive support package for investors looking to locate or expand their operations in the Greater Birmingham area.

To find out how your business could benefit from locating in Birmingham please call 0121 202 5115 or email invest@marketingbirmingham.com

Business Birmingham worked closely with TheCityUK, a membership organisation that champions the international competitiveness of the UK’s financial services industry, to bring together influential stakeholders for an informative debate on the role and power local economies have in the UK’s growth strategy.

The roundtable, hosted by TheCityUK, was held at Deloitte’s Birmingham office in Brindleyplace as part of the 500 fringe events taking place around the Liberal Democrat Party Autumn Conference.

Business Birmingham Investment Manager, Sarah Darch, who specialises in helping the financial services sector said,

TheCityUK event provided a valuable insight into the issues affecting the local financial and professional services sector. A number of Business Birmingham’s focus areas including the growth agenda, funding for smaller companies, skills and the power of collaborative ways of working, were all identified as ways to support growth and attract inward investment.”

Financial services is one of seven sectors identified by Business Birmingham and global location specialists, IBM PLI, as a local strength with the ability to drive significant investment to the Greater Birmingham area. 

Chris Cummings (pictured right), CEO, TheCityUK, adds,

Party conference season offers a unique opportunity to bring together business leaders, academics and key policymakers for a forthright debate on the factors that can boost economic growth and financial stability in the region.

By marking it as one of the sectors that needs to be prioritised, Business Birmingham has recognised the importance of financial and related professional services to help grow the city’s prosperity, both in their own right and as the engine of growth for other sectors. Birmingham is already the third largest financial services centre in the UK, employing almost 45,000 people, with 120,000 employed across the West Midlands.”

Chris Loughran, Deloitte, Practice Senior Partner - Midlands said:

Birmingham has had a vibrant professional services sector for many years and one that already makes a big contribution to the local economy. I was delighted to host this event which brought together leaders from both business and the public sector to explore ways in which we might progress the growth agenda. There is so much about which our City can be proud and so much potential for growth and prosperity if we collaborate together."

The programme is funded by Goldman Sachs and the Goldman Sachs Foundation and is offered on a fully funded basis to successful applicants. It is delivered in partnership with Aston University Business School and Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.

How will your business benefit?

The programme will bring together a cohort of 25 to 30 ambitious Midlands-based small business leaders who will support each other throughout the programme. The core of the programme is a high quality, practically-focused business and management education designed specifically for this programme, delivered over 12 sessions lasting approximately 100 hours.

These sessions, delivered with a combination of academic and practitioner input, are structured to address a comprehensive range of issues facing growing small businesses.

They will provide immediately actionable ideas for participants to implement in their businesses. Over the course of the sessions participants will develop a business growth plan to underpin their expansion strategy. Participants will also benefit from one-to-one guidance and specialist workshops focused on the specific business challenges that cohort participants are facing.

Who is the programme for?

If you are the owner and/or most senior executive of a small business or commercial enterprise, have aspirations to grow the business and could benefit from high quality, intensive support to do so, the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme could be for you. The goal of the programme is to provide participants with practical tools and resources to help them define and execute a strategy for achieving their business growth ambitions.

The programme will be offered on a fully funded basis to 25 to 30 leaders of established small businesses and social enterprises based in the Midlands. Successful applicants will most importantly have the desire and drive to grow their businesses and a scalable business model. The programme is not intended for start-up businesses, sole traders or businesses that are not seeking to grow. For full eligibility criteria please visit www.aston.ac.uk/10ksb.

How to apply

Applications are now open for the programme which will run between November 2011 and March 2012. Applications for the programme close on 5 October 2011. To learn more about the application process, please visit www.aston.ac.uk/10ksb.

What is the background to 10,000 Small Businesses?

10,000 Small Businesses launched in 2009 in the United States where it currently operates in five cities. The programme expanded to the UK in 2010, and currently operates in Yorkshire (Leeds) and North West England (Manchester). Building on the success of these programmes 10,000 Small Businesses is now expanding its offer to small businesses in the Midlands.

Please contact the 10,000 Small Businesses programme team on 0121 204 3225 for further information or visit www.aston.ac.uk/10ksb.

How will your business benefit?

The programme will bring together a cohort of 25 to 30 ambitious Midlands-based small business leaders who will support each other throughout the programme. The core of the programme is a high quality, practically-focused business and management education designed specifically for this programme, delivered over 12 sessions lasting approximately 100 hours. These sessions, delivered with a combination of academic and practitioner input, are structured to address a comprehensive range of issues facing growing small businesses. They will provide immediately actionable ideas for participants to implement in their businesses. Over the course of the sessions participants will develop a business growth plan to underpin their expansion strategy. Participants will also benefit from one-to-one guidance and specialist workshops focused on the specific business challenges that cohort participants are facing.

Who is the programme for?

If you are the owner and/or most senior executive of a small business or commercial enterprise, have aspirations to grow the business and could benefit from high quality, intensive support to do so, the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme could be for you. The goal of the programme is to provide participants with practical tools and resources to help them define and execute a strategy for achieving their business growth ambitions.

The programme will be offered on a fully funded basis to 25 to 30 leaders of established small businesses and social enterprises based in the Midlands. Successful applicants will most importantly have the desire and drive to grow their businesses and a scalable business model. The programme is not intended for start-up businesses, sole traders or businesses that are not seeking to grow. For full eligibility criteria please visit the Aston website.

How to apply

Applications are now open for the programme which will run between November 2011 and March 2012. Applications for the programme close on 5 October 2011. To learn more about the application process, please visit the Aston website.

What is the background to 10,000 Small Businesses?

10,000 Small Businesses launched in 2009 in the United States where it currently operates in five cities. The programme expanded to the UK in 2010, and currently operates in Yorkshire (Leeds) and North West England (Manchester). Building on the success of these programmes 10,000 Small Businesses is now expanding its offer to small businesses in the Midlands.

Where to find out more

Potential applicants are encouraged to attend one of several preview events being held in the Midlands to find out more about the programme and to meet Goldman Sachs and programme delivery partners. These informal events are free to attend and will include a short presentation, refreshments, and the opportunity to network with other small business leaders from the region.

Preview events are being held as follows:

• Thursday 22 Sept, 5:30PM at Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

• Monday 26 Sept, 5:30PM at Wolverhampton Science Park

Please contact the 10,000 Small Businesses programme team on 0121 204 3225 for further information.

To register to attend a preview event please visit the Aston website.

When the £15.2m Aston University Engineering Academy opens in a year’s time it will play a crucial role in delivering knowledge and skills through engineering and science for 600 pupils aged between 14 and 19 years old. Academy students will specialise in engineering and science alongside core subjects in English, maths and languages. Students will have the opportunity to work with Aston University engineering staff and students as well as local and national industry. Large, medium and small private sector companies as well as large public sector organisations are all playing a valuable role, with employers such as National Grid, E.ON and Rolls Royce Plc providing high quality work placements, student mentoring, allowing Academy students to use specialist facilities, as well as inspiring students to pursue a career in their industry.

The Academy is being created in partnership with Birmingham City Council and will work closely with secondary schools across Birmingham to create clear progression routes to higher education or directly into industry. GCSEs, A levels, Diplomas and a wide range of accreditation, matched to the learner, will be taught.

Lord Kenneth Baker, Chair of the Baker-Dearing Educational Trust said:

"This is the beginning of the UTC movement. Back in 2008 Aston University, Birmingham City Council and local employers came together to create a new type of college that combined first class training with excellent academic study. It will be the first of many UTCs - soon there will be over 20. Birmingham has led the way."

Lee Kilgour, Principal Designate of Aston University Engineering Academy believes that young people with an excellent technical education will be essential for ensuring that the UK can lead the world in designing and using new technologies. Lee said:

“The Engineering Academy is seeking to recruit young people with a passion and interest in engineering and science. We have been working closely with industry to develop an exciting and engaging curriculum. The new Academy will provide company supported apprenticeships alongside Diplomas and A levels and will play a key role in addressing the technical skills gap. The specialist education offered by the Academy will ensure that the UK has the skilled employees needed for essential future projects such as building wind farms, developing carbon–efficient housing and designing high speed rail links.” 

Professor Alison Halstead, Pro Vice Chancellor for Learning and Teaching at Aston University is committed to inspiring and encouraging young people in the fields of science and engineering. She believes that raising the aspirations of young engineers and developing an innovative workforce for the region and beyond is vital. Speaking at the event she said:

“This is the culmination of four years planning between local employers, university staff and the local authority to create this inspirational learning environment for young scientists and engineers in Birmingham. The new Aston University sponsored Engineering Academy will play a key role in addressing the nation’s skills gap and fostering an enthusiasm for science and engineering that will enable us to produce a new generation of innovated and talented students.”

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council said:

“As Leader of the City, and Chairman of the Science Park, it is a great pleasure to be welcoming the Aston University Engineering Academy Birmingham into our educational family. Birmingham has the youngest population of any city in Europe, with immense potential - if we invest wisely in our youth. Having a world-class teaching facility like this, that will provide our children with the skills they need to meet the challenges of tomorrow; will be a formidable asset for the city and the region. This is why I have long been a supporter of the project, and have ensured the City Council plays a leading role in bringing the Engineering Academy – the first of its kind in the UK – to Birmingham.”

For further information about study opportunities at the Aston University Engineering Academy, please contact Lee Kilgour on 0121 204 4643, email lee.kilgour@aston.ac.uk or visit www.auea.co.uk.

For further information or images, please contact Louise Russell, Communications Officer, on 0121 204 4637 or l.a.russell1@aston.ac.uk

This conference marks a special milestone for BAM, as they are celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year. The Anniversary Celebrations, combined with record paper submissions mean that BAM2011 is shaping up to be their most successful conference to date.

Over 700 people will be in attendance at the conference, which will take “Building and Sustaining High Performance Organisations in a Challenging Environment” as its theme. Sessions at the conference will explore the challenging environments facing managers at all levels as public sector cuts begin to bite into many economies and private sector organisations seek to climb out of the recession.

Professor Pawan Budwar, Head of the Work & Organisational Psychology Group at Aston Business School, was instrumental in bringing this flagship conference to Birmingham. He said, ‘We are delighted to be hosting the BAM annual conference here at Aston Business School. We have been overwhelmed with the number of delegates registering for this year’s conference, which will see Birmingham hosting the largest BAM conference in recent years.’

Marie McHugh, Vice-President of BAM, is sure that Birmingham will be a fantastic host city for their 2011 conference. She said, ‘The British Academy of Management is delighted to hold its 25th Annual Conference in Birmingham where we are back amongst many friends at Aston Business School. With delegates from across the world attending our 25th anniversary celebration, over the next few days we will be concentrating our debates and discussions around an issue which is high on the agenda of all businesses – building and sustaining high performing organisations.’

Delegates at the conference will have the opportunity to enjoy the city of Birmingham while they are here, with events being hosted at various locations including, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham Council House and The Courtyard Restaurant, Conference Aston.

For more information on the British Academy of Management, please visit www.bam.ac.uk

For more information on Aston Business School, please visit www1.aston.ac.uk/abs

10,000 Small Businesses is designed to unlock the economic and job creation potential of small businesses and social enterprises operating in the United Kingdom.

Participants on the programme will benefit from high quality, practically-focussed business and management education, delivered over 12 sessions lasting approximately 100 hours. The curriculum is designed specifically for the 10,000 Small Businesses programme by world-class international, national and local experts in entrepreneurial learning. The focus is on developing the practical skills and knowledge that small business and social enterprise leaders require as they grow their businesses.

The programme is offered on a fully funded basis to a cohort of 25 to 30 small business and social enterprise leaders from the Midlands. Successful applicants will most importantly have the desire and drive to grow their businesses, create local employment and have scalable business models. Businesses that been operating for at least one year and have between five and 40 employees are invited to apply for the programme.

Applications to 10,000 Small Businesses in the Midlands close on 5 October 2011. To find out more about the programme or to pick up an application pack businesses can attend one of four preview evenings. These will be held on Monday 19th September at Coventry TechnoCentre, Tuesday 20th September at Lakeside Centre, Aston University, Thursday 22 September, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Monday 26th September at Wolverhampton Science Park.

Application materials can also be requested by email from 10ksb@aston.ac.uk or by phoning 0121 204 3225.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

BIRMINGHAM EVENT OFFERS GUIDE ON HOW TO DO BUSINESS WITH THE USA

A series of events aimed at helping companies do business in different countries kicks off with a focus on the USA...Business Birmingham is supporting the events and investment director Wouter Schuitemaker commented

These events will provide a helpful introduction with an eye opening insight to the potential of the US, as well as China and India."

VIEW ARTICLE

RSM Tenon and HSBC hosting US trade focussed event 22 September

Birmingham businesses looking to grow their operations overseas are being targeted by leading professional services consultancy, RSM Tenon and global bank, HSBC, with a series of ‘Doing business in…’ seminars.

The first event, which took place earlier this month, will focus on opportunities to trade and do business with the US. Jeff Pozen, Audit and Business Services Partner from US consulting firm RSM McGladrey, talked through the practicalities of setting up in, and exporting to, the US.

The interactive session provided an introduction into the main challenges and how to avoid common pitfalls in establishing trade links with the US. Pozen was joined by HSBC’s International Commercial Manager, Phill Potter, who offered advice on how the US banking system differs from the UK as well as practical steps that companies can take to cost effectively manage and control their US operations from both a start up operation to larger subsidiaries.

Business Birmingham is supporting this series of events as part of its efforts to build the city’s reputation internationally and promote its local talent.

Business Birmingham’s Investment Director, Wouter Schuitemaker, said:

Birmingham has a growing number of talented businesses that are looking to take the next step and expand their market overseas, but don’t know where to start. These events will provide a helpful introduction with an eye opening insight to the potential of the US, as well as China and India.

By exploring the opportunities of foreign markets, local businesses are encouraged to showcase their talent abroad – helping us drive the message that the area is home to talented and successful businesses and a worthwhile place for investors to consider.

The US market was a fitting choice for the first event. Birmingham and the West Midlands is currently home to over 350 North American companies employing approximately 60,000 people.

Existing investors including Microsoft, Kraft Foods and Motorola all benefit from Birmingham Airport’s direct flights to New York and excellent transport links to London and other European hubs.

RSM Tenon’s Associate Director, Richard Eccles, who has been instrumental in devising the seminars, said:

Trading overseas can be daunting for businesses not familiar with this type of activity. By providing information on the benefits and the pitfalls of trading with specific destinations, and the chance to hear from those who operate in these locations, delegates will receive a real insight into how business works in that market and what the potential opportunities are for their own organisations."

Please visit www.rsmtenon.com/events to find out about future events in this series.

‘2Digital Days’ is an exclusive opportunity for digital media companies to find out what Birmingham can offer their business. Held during Global Entrepreneurship Week, ‘2Digital Days’ offers a bespoke ‘boot camp’ of activities including participation in 'Launch - Gaming and Digital Conference 2011', gaming and tech showcases, city, digital district and company tours, one-to-one meetings and master classes.

The innovative initiative is part of Business Birmingham’s drive to showcase the city’s digital industry credentials and attract global investors and talent to the city. The West Midlands is home to nearly a quarter of the UK’s digital gaming workforce and over 5,800 digital companies including market leaders such as Codemasters, Sega, Rare and Blitz.

Digital media and gaming were recently identified by global location specialists, IBM PLI, as sectors of strength for Birmingham, and are both key targets for driving further inward investment.

Sarah Darch, Investment Manager at Business Birmingham, recently attended Gamescom and Games Developer conferences in Cologne, where ‘2DigitalDays’ was welcomed by industry leaders. She said:

Business Birmingham’s 2Digital Days initiative is a great opportunity for prospective investors to experience the buzz of Birmingham’s digital scene. The city and wider area has unlimited potential for digital media companies looking to expand their operations, or locate in the UK.

There is some really exciting, ground-breaking work taking place in and around the city and a number of high-profile companies and initiatives are really helping Birmingham lead the way in this sector. ‘2Digital Days’ will help the digital industry’s leading players see the opportunities for themselves.”

As the youngest city in Europe, with under 25s accounting for almost 40% of the population, Birmingham is the ideal location for a digital business or career. It offers an established support network of like-minded companies and individuals, finance initiatives, talent and ongoing access to training provided by academic institutions including Birmingham City University’s New Technology Institute (NTI) - an award-winning facility offering Avid, Adobe and Apple-accredited courses.

Fellow Gamescom attendee, Simon Miles, Talent Acquisition Manager for award-winning Codemasters, said:

Birmingham has a thriving and exciting digital scene, and is attracting serious talent from across the globe. Thanks to this talent, we are now experiencing a booming trade - our BAFTA winning F1 game has been so successful we are now looking to recruit an additional 50 developers to join our innovative team.

Our location in Birmingham with its dynamism and support offering, is vital to our success. ‘2Digital Days’ will be a real eye-opener for those who haven’t considered the area in the past and will lead, I believe, to many moves.”

Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, also welcomed the Business Birmingham initiative. Wilson said,

TIGA is looking forward to working with 2DigitalDays in Birmingham. It’s going to be a very exciting event bringing academia, games developers and other digital businesses together to showcase why the UK is the best place in the world to do games business.”

Business Birmingham has a limited number of places available at a discounted rate which includes one night’s 4* accommodation in the city centre. For your chance to apply for one of these limited places at a discounted rate of just £99, please visit www.businessbirmingham.com/2-digital-days

Partners across the city will also be hosting a number of digital focused events during the week commencing 14th November. More details can be found in Business Birmingham’s events calendar.

The National Student Enterprise Conference aims to inspire and bring together young budding entrepreneurs and encourage them to develop business skills with the guidance of top business professionals and celebrity entrepreneurs.

The successful 2012 bid, co-ordinated by Aston Business School and Aston Entrepreneurs, made a great impression on the judging panel of the National Consortium of University Entrepreneurs (NACUE). Aston demonstrated its support for students and regional businesses through a number of quality programmes. These included Aston Idol, which lets students pitch their business ideas to a panel of national and regional business representatives and its involvement in innovative business start-up programme BSEEN (Birmingham Skills for Enterprise and Employability Network).

This project, funded by Birmingham City Council, has provided support for over 100 graduate entrepreneurs from the West Midlands region. This includes opportunities to access extensive mentoring, free office space and business grants to help with start-up initiatives.

Aston is also involved in The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), the largest survey-based study of entrepreneurship in the world involving over 60 countries. Dr Patrick Tissington, Associate Dean of Business Partnerships; Kelly-Anne Lewis, Director of Marketing and Nathalie Lam, Business Partnerships Co-ordinator from Aston Business School were involved in the successful bid, alongside Samuel Wilson, President of Aston Entrepreneurs.

Dr Tissington said;

Aston University’s ethos is to ensure students graduate with strong academic skills alongside opportunities to develop real life business acumen. This knowledge combined with practical real life experience provides students with a new set of insights into entrepreneurship and business as a whole. We are delighted to be hosting this prestigious event next year."

The support from Aston University to student and graduate enterprise has achieved impressive results. Aston graduate, Nick Holzherr, recently received the “Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Enterprise” award. Another Aston graduate, Mike Bandar, has created, My Health Cards, a web-based company which aims to increase the awareness and ease of life for allergy sufferers. He has managed to secure a place on the exclusive and prestigious Entrepreneurs Foundation programme.

President of Aston Entrepreneurs, Samuel Wilson, who is a second year student in International Business with Spanish, believes the event is going to ‘change mentalities for the better.’ The Aston Entrepreneurs Society started in 2009, helps develop business skills among students, and industry links. The Society is aiming to increase its active membership from 186 to around 500 members by the end of next year.

Enterprise can’t simply be learnt from a textbook, but I wholeheartedly know that events such as NSEC will work miracles.”

he said.

This year’s conference in Manchester brought together 200 of the most promising students across the UK as well as leading academics, investors, international corporates, global entrepreneurs and the media.

The NSEC is due to be held at Aston University from Saturday, February 18 to Sunday, February 19, 2012.

Aston Entrepreneurs Society have helped successfully bid for NSEC 2012

Meet Business Birmingham at Corenet, 18-20 September 2011, Paris

Birmingham is a business city that never stops. Over the past twenty years, Birmingham’s vision to become a leading business centre has led to an influx of businesses relocating to the city, capitalising on high-quality, cost-effective office stock.

The wide range of available office space will be highlighted at Corenet Paris, a world leading event for corporate real estate and its workplace professionals, service providers and economic developers.

The UK prime property markets now offer better value for investors than in Q1 2011, according to DTZ’s latest Fair Value IndexTM report. Birmingham’s rating in the index, which offers insight into the relative attractiveness of current pricing in the UK property markets, has improved significantly. In Q2, Birmingham’s office market was upgraded to a ‘warm’ status, making prime property now even more attractive. The city is already leading the way in sustainable, low-carbon, technology-driven building practices, creating not only intelligent spaces, but exemplar workplaces.

With over 32 million square metres of parks, there’s also plenty of space to rest as well as work:

• Central Birmingham has a total office stock of 17.47m sq ft*
• Prime Grade A rents in Birmingham are almost 50 per cent less than London** and compare well against other cities, both today and in the future
• Vacant supply amounts to approximately 3.99m sq ft and falls in a range of buildings- from Grade A to more cost effective accommodation*
• 750,000 sq ft of this comprises new or comprehensively refurbished Grade A accommodation which is available for immediate occupation*
• High quality space including a wide choice of BREEAM ‘Excellent’ buildings
• Development pipeline of 5.15 million square feet of office space
• Diverse range of office space from £15 per square foot for good quality refurbished space to £28.50 per square foot for prime Grade A space
• Wide range of industrial property in the city; ranging from £3.50 per square foot for good quality industrial units to £5.50 per square foot for prime rents*** 
• A recent report by international consultancy McKinsey predicts that Birmingham’s economy will grow by 21% by 2025 – from a starting point of $132billion in 2007 to $160billion in 2025

If you’d like to find out more about Birmingham’s strengths within the property sector or arrange a meeting at Corenet, please contact Marek Dobrolowski, Investment Manager via email on Marek.Dobrowolski@marketingbirmingham.com or telephone +44 (0)121 202 5022

For more information about the event, please visit the Corenet Paris website

*Source: Birmingham Office Market 2011

** Source: Cushman & Wakefield Q4 2010 Office Snapshot, based on average £55 sq.ft/yr in the London City area

*** Source: Colliers International; Big Shed Rents Map 2011

The University’s new City Centre Campus is going to be used to teach students on courses such as Architectural Technology, Architecture, Building Surveying, Construction Management and Economics, Planning and Development, Quantity Surveying and Real Estate. Students who enrol on these courses, most of which still have some places available in Clearing, can look forward to having a working building site to enhance their studies with real-world experience.

This month (August) the university announced that Willmott Dixon has been chosen as the approved contractor for a £61m project, including phase one of its City Centre Campus – a landmark investment for the ‘University, the city and a new generation of students who seek the best skills’.

The state-of-the-art facility at Birmingham’s Eastside will be part of the University’s overall £180million investment plan to provide the ideal learning environment to create skilled graduates to drive forward the local economy and meet the needs of national and international employers.

Birmingham-based Willmott Dixon will build the 18,310 sq metre facility on a plot adjacent to Millennium Point, where most the University’s property, construction and planning courses are taught, providing a purpose-built home for the world-class provision for the University’s Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD). Willmot Dixon will be collaborating with the university to set up student engagement groups to allow undergraduates and postgraduates to get involved with the build.

David Stanley, Assistant Project Director said:

It is really a great time to join the University to study at the School of Property, Construction and Planning. Willmott Dixon have agreed to allow our students to make site visits, and will be providing visiting lecturers to give talks to students which will enhance their employability once they graduate.

Our students will be learning in Millennium Point and have a building site outside their front door – a real life case study. And it’s not just the construction of the City Centre Campus that the students will be able to benefit from, the new city centre park is being located nearby which they will have the opportunity to get involved with.”

Phase One: Birmingham City University New City Centre Campus – Artists Impression

Birmingham City University is running a major awareness campaign in the Midlands to demonstrate how it is upgrading the future of individuals and companies. To find out more visit www.bcu.ac.uk

This year American multinational, Cisco Systems, offered just 23 places on its highly competitive graduate training programme, which receives thousands of applications each year. Six of these places were given to graduates from Birmingham City University which boasts Europe’s leading Cisco network academy programme.

Of the six graduates, four were hired as Associate Network Consulting Engineers (ANCE) who are currently training in Belgium and two who have been hired as Associate Systems Engineers (ASE) and are being trained here in the UK. Following the training, which lasts between four-11 months, the graduates will be guaranteed jobs with Cisco Systems which employs more than 65,000 staff and has an annual revenue of $40 billion.

The graduates undergo an intensive training programme which consists of classroom, on the job experience and shadowing, as well as hands-on technical simulations in computer lab environments. They are also given non-technical training in customer relationship management, Cisco internal tools and databases and presentation skills.

Upon completion of training the ASEs will go into field Systems Engineering roles as they are the company sales team’s technical experts in designing and overseeing the implementation of customer’s networks. ANCEs will work with existing customers to solve very high level technical issues.

Cisco’s University Relations Manager (EMEA) Sedef Buyukataman said:

We have an excellent working partnership with the leadership and Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment at Birmingham City University and really use this relationship as a benchmark for all our targeted universities. The emphasis on network specific education has really given the six graduates a strong advantage in the jobs market, but that’s not the only reason that we hired them. The roles they gained are all customer-facing positions so the ability to balance technical training with other valuable skills such as presentation style, communication skills and out-of-the-box analytical thinking is really what sets them apart.

I believe the educational culture at Birmingham City University fosters this and has produced a strong pool of candidates for our open positions. No other university in our network of targeted schools has placed this high a number of graduates with us this past year and the partnership with the University is only growing so I expect this number to grow in coming years."

Mak Sharma, Head of the University’s School of Computing, Telecommunications and Networks said:

We are exceptionally proud of our relationship with Cisco. Successful employer engagement is vital in the current economic climate as it helps strengthen our reputation for student employability. Birmingham City University is ranked 16th out of 121 institutions for getting its students into graduate level jobs. Cisco has provided placements, case presentations and research work which have given students an enhanced insight into IT career paths.”

Following on from 2010’s record intake, Cisco and the Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment have begun initial talks about plans to approach students for 2011’s full-time and internship opportunities.

Passers-by will now be able to watch from Centenary Square as the remaining panels are fitted to the building over the coming months. One by one, each segment will be hoisted onto the building by crane and affixed to a bespoke steel bracket.

The design for the Library’s exterior echoes the gasometers, tunnels, canals and viaducts which fuelled Birmingham’s industrial growth. Featuring a series of interweaving circles of two different sizes, the overlapping aluminium rings will extend across the building from the first to the eighth floor. Each imposing piece will be formed of 5.4m diameter black rings, with silver circles of 1.8m diameter attached.

Councillor Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

With two years to go until the Library of Birmingham opens its doors, we are at a hugely exciting point in the project with the installation of this stunning external façade. The new Library will be an iconic landmark, creating a major new cultural destination that will raise the city’s profile across the country and around the world. The building is progressing at a spectacular rate and this is testament to the skill and hard work of the hundreds of people helping to drive the project forward.

With the installation of this façade, we can now begin to visualise what the final building will look like and imagine the impact this stunning development will have on both Centenary Square and the city as a whole. This innovative, highly sustainable building is spearheading what a library can and should be in the future and I am thrilled by the considerable progress that has been made so far.”

Designed by Dutch architects Mecanoo, the Library of Birmingham, due to open in Summer 2013, will comprise of 10 floors, with nine above ground and a lower ground floor. The building will comprise a spacious entrance and foyer with mezzanine, the gateway to both the Library and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, a new flexible studio theatre, a lower ground level with indoor terraces, four further public levels and two outdoor garden terraces.

A 'golden box' of secure archive storage will occupy two levels of the building, within which the city’s internationally significant collection of archives, photography and rare books will be stored. A new state-of-the-art exhibition space will open up public access to the collections for the first time. This golden box will be formed from gold coloured anodised aluminium panels, the metallic finish changing hue depending on weather and sunlight conditions. The archives storage will also be surrounded by high performance insulation to protect the Library’s archive collections.

At the summit, a rooftop rotunda will house the Shakespeare Memorial Room, which was originally part of Birmingham’s Victorian library, and a viewing gallery where visitors will be able to look down at the city below. An outdoor amphitheatre in Centenary Square will also provide a performance space for music, drama, poetry reading storytelling and more, providing a vibrant new dimension to Centenary Square.

Francine Houben, Founding Partner of Mecanoo Architecten, went on to say:

The circular pattern of the metal framework the Library of Birmingham honours the city’s industrial heritage, in particular the craftsmanship in metal work. For me the circles symbolise unity, and relate well to the purpose of the metal frieze, unifying the different functions within the building with one gesture and expressing openness to the public."

Simon Dingle, Operations Director at Carillion, the construction partner for the Library of Birmingham, said:

Carillion is proud to be working on this landmark project in Birmingham. The commencement of this phase of work is a milestone in the construction of the library, which will transform the appearance of the structure dramatically. With our strategic partners we will remain committed to supporting schemes that benefit the local area, whether through increasing employment and training opportunities or supporting local community initiatives, maximising the potential created by the construction phase.”

To explore the new Library before it opens 2013 go to www.birmingham.gov.uk/libraryofbirmingham/virtual to view it in Second Life. For more information about the Library go to www.libraryofbirmingham.com

New owner of the mixed-use development, Brockton Capital, has appointed the property consultancy to let the former Post Office sorting office, on a sole agency basis, following a pitch against several other regional and national consultancies.

The space, on level five of the building, is available as a single floor plate but with potential to add additional mezzanine space or split into smaller units. Accessed from within the Mailbox, there is also an opportunity to create a dedicated entrance on Commercial Street.

Existing office leaseholders in the building include the BBC, Virgin Media and Network Rail.

Ashley Hancox, head of regional office agency at CBRE, described the premises as “probably the most flexible and possibly the funkiest space in Birmingham”, which lends itself to an array of possible uses, including IT, media, or shared service use.

The accommodation is available as a shell or fitted out, and has the benefit of diverse cable and power supplies, as well as the ability to cool the premises using the adjacent canal water.

David Zimmerman, partner at Brockton Capital, said:

We have significant capital budget allocated to maximise The Mailbox’s potential as a key destination for Birmingham. We are continuing our comprehensive strategic review of the asset, the results of which will be the basis for developing our overall vision for the future of The Mailbox.”

Local MP Richard Burden (Lab, Northfield), visited NVC (Manufacturing) Ltd’s Rubery headquarters to see steelworks being erected at the firm’s new 49,000 sq ft research and design, manufacturing and warehousing facility.

NVC Lighting Technology Corporation, which has a capitalisation of £1billion following its flotation on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange last year, and is headquartered at Huizhou, in China’s Guangdong province, established its first overseas manufacturing and storage operation in the UK in 2009.

The company’s UK arm, which supplies NVC and other branded commercial, industrial, amenity and exterior lighting products to wholesalers in the UK and Ireland, has been a runaway success, growing from seven to 80 staff, and with turnover set to hit £20m in less than three years.

NVC (Manufacturing) Ltd currently operates from a 42,000 sq ft premises at Hollymoor Point. This houses its offices, a showroom, small design facility and warehousing.

The new facility, which will more than double the size of the operation, is being built on land acquired by NVC next door to its existing site. It will allow the company to expand its design, R&D, technical and manufacturing capabilities.

The new premises is being built by Bowmer & Kirkland and will be finished mid December. NVC is planning to take on 70 additional staff by the end of this year, and anticipates the payroll will increase to 250 by 2015.

NVC’s investment was announced by Chinese premier Wen Jiabao when he visited the Chinese-owned MG Motor’s Longbridge plant last month. More than £1billion is being invested in the UK by the Asian super power.

Garry Pass, managing director at NVC (Manufacturing) Ltd UK, said the company’s market-leading energy efficient lighting products underpinned its rapid growth. He said:

We have made massive inroads into the UK lighting market in a short space of time. Our intention is to increase business in Europe, using Birmingham and the UK as the gateway. The investment in our new facility, and in particular the ability to enhance our R&D capabilities, will enable us to do this."

Richard Burden MP said:

I am delighted by NVC's additional investment, which is a real vote of confidence in South West Birmingham and the talents which local people have to offer forward-looking businesses. In creating 170 new jobs, I am particularly pleased that NVC's new facility will focus on design, R&D and manufacturing. Birmingham will be NVC's European home and a great springboard from which to grow its business."

100th local person into employment and new trade apprentices join Library of Birmingham construction team

Library of Birmingham labourer, Leon Carbado, the 100th person supported into work on the project by the City Council’s Employment Access Team, was honoured at a celebratory event at the Library of Birmingham site today (Thursday 28 July 2011). He was joined at the celebration by six newly appointed apprentices from EMCOR.

Leon, 39, who impressed the Library of Birmingham team during two weeks of work experience in March 2011, signed up to the City Council’s Employment Access Team after the placement. He took part in the Employment Access Team’s recruitment process and was invited to interview for a labourer role on the site. Following a competitive recruitment process, Leon was successful in getting the job.

At the event, six new apprentices who started work at the engineering services company, EMCOR, earlier this month were formally welcomed into the organisation. Each will join EMCOR as a craft apprentice and train as an electrician, plumber or pipe fitter. They will attend college on day release to study for a formal qualification. For the rest of the week they will be based on one of EMCOR’s sites in the Midlands area, including the Library of Birmingham.

Councillor Timothy Huxtable, Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Regeneration at Birmingham City Council, said:

It is fantastic to see that the Library of Birmingham development continues to create jobs and are we are delighted to welcome Leon and the apprentices to their new roles. Right at the start of the Library of Birmingham project the City Council set out clear employment and training targets and we are pleased to see these goals being delivered successfully.

The apprentices were appointed following a recruitment drive led by EMCOR and the Employment Access Team which received over 420 applications for the six places. Following a Craft Apprenticeship Awareness Day at the end of February 2011, 12 candidates were chosen to go forward to EMCOR’s training provider for literacy and numeracy tests and eight were selected for interview.

The six new craft apprentices are:

• Josh Bassi – a stage one Electrical Apprentice from Hall Green who has just finished his A-levels and chose the apprenticeship route rather than university
• Jack Beard – a first year Plumbing Apprentice from Acocks Green working at the Library of Birmingham site who was previously working as an office cleaner
• Liam Johnson – a stage one Electrical Apprentice from Castle Vale; this will be Liam’s first full time job since finishing school in June 2010
• Peter Kain – a first year Plumbing Apprentice from Acocks Green who had been working at a newsagents since leaving school. He had previously applied for other apprenticeship schemes but not been successful until now
• Peter Madden - a stage one Electrical Apprentice from Kingstanding who had not been working since September 2010 when he attended the Craft Apprenticeship Awareness Day
• Jack Pugh – a stage one Electrical Apprentice from Northfield who had been doing a maintenance apprenticeship since November 2010; the company he worked for was not giving him the support and structure he needed to progress in his career

Speaking at the event Neil Greensill, Regional Director at EMCOR, said:

When we commenced working on the Library of Birmingham, we engaged with Birmingham City Council’s Employment Access Team and Carillion to plan how to deliver on the challenging targets set for employment and training. So far the calibre of candidates recruited has been of a very high standard and we have every hope that the six craft apprentices will go on to become part of our skilled labour force in the future.

Sinead Mackenzie, Employment and Training Manager at Carillion, added:

Our target is to get 250 local people back into work and 25 apprentice starts. Working closely with the Employment Access Team we are proud to be celebrating our 100th person, and the six apprentice starts with EMCOR.

We believe that getting people into work is just the start, on site we are working with the National Construction College and Birmingham Metropolitan College to deliver NVQs and skills for life training to ensure that individuals are given the tools they need to remain in work and to progress. In addition, we are supporting a number of schemes including Business Action on Homelessness’ through which Leon completed a two week voluntary placement on the project prior to gaining an interview and securing his role with Titan Ceilings.”

At the celebration event, Leon was awarded with a certificate in recognition of being the 100th person supported into work on the project. The new apprentices also took part in a presentation by EMCOR to celebrate the creation of the apprenticeships.

Working with Pace Systems International, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of covert security and surveillance equipment, academics from Aston University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science developed a formal new product design process with the company.

The KTP project has introduced new technology, systems and more robust design processes to Pace Systems, supported by the understanding of solid modelling and analytical techniques. This has in-turn enabled the company to offer improved services to customers and enter new markets. Working on the two-year project were Professor Geoff Tansley and Dr Mark Prince of the Mechanical Engineering & Design Group.

KTP’s are designed to provide businesses with access to university expertise, including academic consultancy and qualified graduate placements, allowing businesses to develop new products, services and processes.

Les Leek, Managing Director at Pace Systems Ltd, said;

The skills and expertise at Aston University, and its advanced knowledge of Industrial Management and Design Research, have made an invaluable contribution to the design of new products.

The advice and guidance has led to improved product quality, increased “in service” reliability and facilitated the integration of electronic components into the finished products. Keeping the entire design process in-house has also improved the security and confidentiality of designs and customer applications.”

Alongside the benefits to the organisation, Aston University has also benefitted through greater awareness and knowledge of the management, operation, activities and research and design requirements of a high-value, short production run and product environment. This is reflected in the advice given to Engineering students regarding product development, career paths and placement opportunities.

In addition to the rare ‘A’ rating from the KTP assessors the success of the project was also recognised at the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Awards last year, where the KTP Associate on the project, Syed Kazmi, received a ‘Business Leader of Tomorrow’ award. Since August 2010, Aston University itself has been involved in 19 Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and 26 case awards (Cooperative Awards in Science & Engineering).

Having collated and analysed a full 12 months of data from electric vehicle users, CABLED - the UK’s largest study into long-term low carbon vehicle use reveals:

• Why electric vehicles are a viable urban transport solution
• The implications of habitual charging behaviour
• Patterns of energy use during the trial’s 147,000 mile study

As the largest of eight public trials taking part in The Technology Strategy Board’s £25m Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator programme, CABLED (Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrators), involving Aston University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science has now collected robust data that can be used to support future decisions relating to transport and infrastructure planning.

The performance of the vehicles was collated and analysed by Aston engineers using the latest in satellite mapping, onboard computers and data software technologies. The data, taken from 25 Mitsubishi i-MiEVs and 20 smart fortwo electric drives during the course of the trial, shows that in spite of initial scepticism surrounding the capability of electric vehicles and concerns over range ‘anxiety’, they are more than capable of meeting the needs of drivers that require efficient urban transportation.

The research analysis shows that most journeys undertaken (77%) lasted less than 20 minutes and only 2% used more than 50% of the battery - enabling a return journey to be made without the need for recharging in the majority of cases. The data also highlighted a trend towards drivers travelling longer journeys over time - indicating increased confidence and reduced range anxiety.

Project Leader Neil Butcher from co-ordinating CABLED partner Arup believes the data presents a positive outlook for electric vehicles:

These findings form part of the largest study of low carbon vehicle use ever compiled and, whilst our study is on-going, it’s already clear that electric vehicles offer a viable, practical urban transport solution. We must now consider how our homes, offices and public spaces will need to evolve in order to cater to both users’ needs and the rapidly developing technologies powering these vehicles.”

In relation to charging behaviour, the CABLED data clearly shows that electric vehicle users are not motivated to replenish their vehicle’s battery by reaching a particular point of depletion; rather they are driven by convenience and with data showing the vehicles are parked for 97.2% of the time (23.3 hours each day) it is apparent that there is ample opportunity for them to be plugged-in.

The most popular point at which people commenced charging was when the battery had between 81-87% of its charge remaining. With the majority of journey’s using less than 2kWh of power (around 12% of charge) this behaviour indicates that charging habitually takes place upon reaching a destination.

Brian Price, Engineering lecturer at Aston University said;

Through satellite tracking and on-board telemetry, we have been able to monitor real-world usage of the latest ultra-low carbon vehicles technologies on an unprecedented scale.

Journey data over the first 18 months of the trial shows us that the battery range of electric vehicles (EV’s) more than covers most users’ needs, with most drivers finishing their daily journeys still with over 40% charge remaining. Typical users only need to recharge every 2-3 days and choose the convenience of a home charge overnight or at their place of work over 85% of the time."

CABLED is one of several Government measures designed to increase the number of low carbon vehicles on Britain’s roads and reflecting on these findings Mitsubishi Motors’ in the UK managing director, Lance Bradley added:

It's very encouraging to see this statistical evidence from the CABLED trial. It clearly backs up our own experience and studies in Japan that people adapt very quickly to driving a pure- EV, such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. To know that people complete up to five normal journeys per charge, and at such a low cost, underlines the fact that EVs are here to stay and can find mass-market appeal.

Mitsubishi's new range of plug-in hybrid vehicles and our on-going development of pure-EVs will also help establish electric powertrains in the broader UK market, and go a long way to reducing automotive CO2 emissions."

Further details on the CABLED project can be found at www.cabled.org.uk.

To find out more about how Birmingham is catalysing on its R&D strengths within the university and business base towards delivering a low carbon, future-proof city download the low carbon sector factsheet.

Public sector organisations are under renewed pressure to move their operations out of the capital and in to more cost efficient regional bases. The Government’s commitment to reducing the deficit has seen the extension of its ban on new government leases until 2015, in a bid to save more than £250m in rent and running costs.

In the last financial year more than 600 leases held by public sector organisations in London were due to expire or reach a break clause. With more expected to reach similar breaks this year, the pressure is on to find suitable, less costly alternatives.

Marek Dobrowolski, Investment Manager for Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme, said:

Public sector relocation from the capital has been in the policy background for years. However, the current administration’s commitment to paying off the deficit has brought it back to the fore and many organisations are having to take a proper look at where else they could go.

The added pressure from government is that all moves have to be cost neutral within three years - meaning organisations have to find cheaper locations, with a suitably skilled workforce and support to get up and running quickly."

Business Birmingham is urging public sector bodies to consider the city as a viable alternative to London by highlighting its cheaper accommodation, specialist talent and experience, central location and connectivity. Birmingham is already home to a significant number of public sector organisations and regulatory bodies. Dobrowolski continues,

Incoming public sector organisations will be in good company as Birmingham has become a hub for UK regulatory services. It is already home to Ofwat, The Gambling Commission, the Big Lottery Fund and the Local Better Regulation Office. The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, and most recently the Legal Ombudsman and Solicitors Regulation Authority have also all established offices in state-of-the-art city centre locations.

Birmingham’s position at the heart of the UK also means that the city offers unparalleled access and connectivity to the rest of the UK - with 126 direct destinations available from Birmingham Airport and a travel time of just 85 minutes from the city to the centre of London.

Add to this a highly skilled and talented workforce and Grade A office space that can be leased for up to 50 per cent cheaper than comparable locations in London, and Birmingham presents a strong offer to organisations under pressure to cut costs, not quality."

In its 2011 review, water and sewerage regulatory body, Ofwat, cited its location in Birmingham as a key factor in its position as the most cost effective economic regulator when compared with industry peers. The data presented in the review demonstrated that Ofwat has the lowest employment and accommodation costs of all UK economic regulators. The review states,

Ofwat’s favourable cost comparison is in large part due to its decision to remain based in Birmingham whilst many other economic regulators are based in London or have chosen to relocate there."

Business Birmingham was one of the sponsors at Government Property 2011, an event for local government property specialists, held in Westminster on 18th July.

Marek Dobrowolski, who specialises in public sector functions hosted a workshop which discussed how to make cross sector co-location work. Cross sector co-location brings different organisations together under one roof – helping them share cost and often promoting joint working opportunities.

Marek was joined by partners from Birmingham City Council and the NHS who have extensive experience of co-location.

The current economic climate has led many organisations to review the way they manage their financial operations and raised awareness of alternative methods of finance, such as Islamic finance, which offer a more risk averse approach than traditional Western banking.

Birmingham holds a long standing reputation as the European hub for Islamic finance - the city is often dubbed as the Silicon Valley for the UK’s Islamic finance industry and holds some impressive credentials in this sector. It is home to the Islamic Bank of Britain (IBB) - the first standalone Sharia compliant retail bank in the UK and Europe. It also hosts a range of professional consultancies offering specialised services to the Islamic finance sector. Many of these organisations, including the Islamic Finance Advisory and Assurance Services (IFAAS), have offices outside of the UK. As a result, Birmingham’s Islamic finance expertise has worldwide reach.

Birmingham is also home to the first European research centre in Islamic Business and Finance - El Shaarani Research Centre for Islamic Business and Finance (EIBF), part of Aston Business School. Dr Omneya Abdelsalam, Director of the EIBF Centre, said:

Through our El Shaarani Centre, we are continuing to educate the next generation of Islamic economists and business leaders – both nationally and internationally. Our research has enabled us to study how mainstream financial institutions can learn from Islamic finance practices in their recovery and avoidance of the next global economic crisis."

EIBF recently hosted a one day conference, Islamic finance for Corporate UK, which aimed to raise awareness of the vital role Islamic finance can play in driving local economies. As part of its strategic approach to driving inward investment, Business Birmingham was one of the sponsors and speakers at this important event which was attended by over 40 international delegates.

Investment Director, Wouter Schuitemaker, attended the event on behalf of Business Birmingham and showcased the reasons why Birmingham was the perfect choice to host this prestigious conference and the ideal location for further Islamic finance operations.

He says,

Birmingham’s financial services sector has remained robust despite the current economic climate and this is testimony to the existing support networks which are in place. The city is continually looking to improve its proposition to potential investors and Islamic Finance is an alternative banking system which is growing at a phenomenal rate."

The all day event, also supported by Advantage West Midlands, IBB and IFAAS, was attended by senior figures from UK and European corporations and Islamic finance professionals. Delegates listened to a variety of presentations including key note speakers, Emad Yousuf Almonayea and Michael McMillen who shared their extensive expertise on the role Islamic finance can play in generating business growth.

Schuitemaker continued,

The event at Aston provided a great opportunity to hear from some extremely well respected figures in this sector and aimed to unravel some of the mystery around Islamic banking which differs so greatly from the way the West traditionally views this sector. The fact that Birmingham was chosen to host the event shows the confidence held in our city and its wider financial services sector.

Schuitemaker’s sentiments were echoed by other leading industry figures including Sultan Choudhury, managing director, IBB, who said:

The ‘Islamic finance for Corporate UK’ event was well attended. It helped delegates to understand more about Islamic finance and the potential role it could play to boost their business growth. With Birmingham home to a number of leading Islamic finance organisations, including IBB, it was clear why the city was chosen to host this event."

Farrukh Raza, managing director, IFAAS stated:

Birmingham is gaining a strong national and international reputation as a hub for Islamic finance. This can partly be attributed to the continued success of businesses such as IFAAS who represent the Islamic finance sector in the UK, Europe and Middle East. The event at Aston University was therefore an excellent showcase. It displayed both what the Islamic industry can offer to businesses as well as Birmingham’s enviable expertise in this growing sector."

Dr Abdelsalam summed up the day’s events saying:

I am truly grateful to everyone who took part in and supported the Islamic Finance conference. It brought together key personalities within this specialist and fast growing sector, the collective contribution of whom, added value and enriched the programme."

Business Birmingham is committed to ensuring businesses have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about all aspects of relocation.

To find out how your business could benefit from locating in Birmingham, please contact the invest team or call 0121 202 5022.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

BIRMINGHAM SEEKS TO LURE PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANISATIONS UP FROM SOUTH- Birmingham Post

Birmingham is offering an unrivalled skills set for government departments and quangos thinking about relocating from central London and the south east to cut costs. That was the message from a high-powered Birmingham delegation when it visited Westminster this week to press the case for moving to the Second City.

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Birmingham states its case for public sector relocation - Midlands Business News

Public sector organisations are under renewed pressure to move their operations out of the capital and in to more cost efficient regional bases. The Government's commitment to reducing the deficit has seen the extension of its ban on new government leases until 2015, in a bid to save more than £250m in rent and running costs.

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BUSINESS BIRMINGHAM LOOKS TO IDENTIFY BEST PRACTICE IN LOW CARBON SECTOR- Business Desk

Birmingham firms providing goods and services to the low carbon market, particularly to the renewable energy and energy efficiency sector, are being invited to help promote the city as a centre of low carbon enterprise. Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment agency, and Birmingham City Council have commissioned Midlands Environmental Business Company to identify successful companies working in the low carbon and environmental sector.

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Midlands-based Alison Smith of Pesky People and Birmingham’s Clusta Labs have emerged from an exceptionally strong field of creative businesses and developers as winners of Nokia’s Pitch ‘n’ Win mobile app development competition.

Following an initial written application process that attracted entries from across the UK, teams behind the eight strongest ideas were invited to an exclusive one day event at Birmingham’s Zellig building at the Custard Factory, featuring top level speakers from Nokia and international creative agency, Wieden + Kennedy.

After keynote speeches from international guests including Nokia’s Head of Content and Partnerships, Keith Varty, and Wieden + Kennedy’s Interactive Creative Director, Andy Cameron, the eight teams each pitched their ideas to an expert panel, who were then faced with the difficult decision of picking just one winner. In fact, the quality of ideas presented was so strong that the judges ended up picking two.

Talking after the event, Nokia’s Keith Varty said:

The panel was blown away by the breadth and quality of ideas presented at the Pitch ‘n’ Win event in Birmingham, we look forward to working with Pesky People and Clusta to deliver truly innovative apps for Nokia smartphones.

Pesky People took the top prize of £25,000 to develop Go Genie – a mobile app that aims to help make inaccessible public spaces accessible, with tools to help plan visits and give feedback on accessibility of venues.

Collecting her award, Pesky People’s Alison Smith (pictured right) said:

This is the first time I’ve ever pitched for investment in this way and as a new start up it is a massive boost to be recognised by Nokia - especially for a company led by Deaf and Disabled people. We can now take the Go Genie platform forward to build an app to compliment the website and widget - an impossible dream is now a reality.

Birmingham’s Clusta Labs presented a groundbreaking app idea capitalising on Nokia’s exciting developments with NFC technology (Near Field Communication). This proved an irresistible proposal for Nokia, who decided to present a second award with an offer to take the app into further development.

Clusta Labs’ Innovations Manager, Chris Harkins, said:

Clusta was delighted to attend The Nokia Pitch ‘n’ Win event in Birmingham. We were proud to be announced as the winners and are now eager to continue our relationship with Nokia. As a leader in digital advertising, we understand the potential of designing NFC Apps for Nokia and hope that our concept will become a unique feature within Nokia’s Store. We thoroughly enjoyed the day and are very much looking forward to seeing how this project continues to evolve over time.

Presenting the awards, Nokia’s Head of Developer Relations, Greg Merten, said:

Alison’s Go Genie app will be a great example of ‘connecting people’ through innovation. We are also excited about developing Clusta’s innovative NFC app, and look forward to seeing both apps available to Nokia smartphones owners.

According to property consultancy Colliers International’s annual Midsummer Retail Report, choice, the newest brands, entertainment, diversity and novelty fuel the success of the most sought-after destinations.

According to Nick Round (pictured right), Colliers’ Birmingham-based national head of shopping centre leasing, these are all boxes Birmingham can tick. He said:

Birmingham’s Bullring is a case in point. It scored a major coup when the American clothing retailer Forever 21 opened its first store here. New names such as Hollister are also proving a draw for shoppers, whilst the extension of the restaurant quarter gives the Bullring’s shopping offer that vital extra dimension.

The fact that John Lewis has committed to the city centre is also a major feather in Birmingham’s cap and will ensure the city remains on the shopping lists of those retailers who emerge the other side of the recession.

Birmingham also makes it into the global top 50 premier fashion retail corridors. The city’s prime shopping streets, High Street/New Street rank 49th; the only other UK regional city to make the list is Manchester, at 46.

According to the ranking, rents in Birmingham are averaging £139.60 per sq ft. At the top of the chart, New York’s Fifth Avenue commands a massive £1,337.70 per sq ft, while London’s Old Bond Street – placed fourth – achieves £598.65 per sq ft. Manchester’s Market Street fetches £149.60*.

Outside the city centre, however, the picture is grim, with Colliers predicting that many suburban High Streets will become obsolete and may never return to retail use. According to the Colliers report, shoppers are deserting secondary town locations in favour of city centres and the internet, with £1 in every £7 now being spent online.

Nick Round said:

The retail sector is going through a period of massive turbulence, with Jane Norman, Homeform (owners of Moben and Kitchens Direct), TJ Hughes and Habitat all going into administration within a week, and Thorntons proposing major downsizing. However, whilst changes in the retail landscape are inevitable, city centres are best placed to attract shoppers’ cash.

Some parts of the West and East Midlands have seen dramatic declines in average in-town prime rental growth. As a result, the regions are the worst performing in the country. Only London saw rental increases in the last year, with all other regions losing ground. The West Midlands saw rents fall by just over four per cent; in the East Midlands the slide was even worse, approaching six per cent.

Nick Round continued:

Whilst we have beacons of success, like the Bullring, outside the city centre secondary locations are struggling. They are becoming populated with banks, charity shops, discount retailers and the odd independent. The major brands no longer want a presence here because the footfall simply isn’t good enough.

The Black Country town of West Bromwich is one of the worst performing locations in the UK. Prime retail rents there dropped by a staggering 28.6 per cent to £50 per sq ft.

Out-of-town development across the country was at an all-time low in 2010, due to the lack of finance and occupier demand.

Activity is not expected to improve much in 2011. However, of the 600,000 sq ft of out-of-town retail space that is anticipated to be built over the next year, some 80,000 sq ft will be in the Midlands.

Royal London Asset Management’s Tamworth scheme is anchored by a 45,000 sq ft pre-let to B&Q, the DIY store’s first acquisition since the recession. The Junction, in Oldbury, is also being revisited, but is unlikely to get off the ground unless a food store anchor is found.

Despite the East Midlands’ poorly performing retail rents, developers in Nottingham also appear to be bullish: there is a major extension planned at the Victoria Centre, whilst Westfield has the green light for a comprehensive extension and refurbishment of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre.

Some Midlands-based retailers are bucking retail trends. Poundland, based in the West Midlands, is proving a star performer in austerity Britain. However, the discount store’s quest for a store on every High Street – it has a requirement for 85 new shops - often puts it in direct competition for the same stores as its competitors 99p Stores and Poundworld, leading to bidding wars and artificially driving up rents. As a result, landlords who were once slightly “sniffy” about the value retailers are now putting out the welcome mat.

Next, based in Leicester, has seen growth of just 0.9 per cent from its traditional stores; however, sales on Next Directory have forged ahead at 14.8 per cent.

In contrast, after a series of profit warnings, Alfreton-based Thorntons has announced plans to axe 180 shops – almost half of its UK chain. The chocolatier is planning to focus on the top 100 locations.

Despite the recent wave of retail administrations, concerns over interest rate hikes, overzealous fiscal cuts and Eurozone mayhem, according to the Colliers’ report consumer confidence is actually on the rise and household spending is forecast to improve over the next two years.

In the East and West Midlands, per capita spend during 2010-2011 grew by 0.9 per cent. The North West and North East have fared much worse, experiencing declines of 1.3 per cent and two per cent respectively.

Mr Round said:

Although consumer demand is likely to remain subdued, the fact that spend has increased in the East and West Midlands, even in these testing times, gives hope for the future.

The Group, placed 7th out of 62 universities overall, was only one of three universities to be given the maximum feedback score from its Undergraduates. Aston University is the highest rated university in the Midlands for Electronic Engineering and is placed above established names including Edinburgh (9th) and Imperial College (13th).

The 2012 Guide, which is based on data for full-time undergraduates at UK universities, examines a range of areas including student opinions on course and teaching standards, student to staff ratios and spend per student.

Aston University was also rated among the top 10 UK universities for specific Subject Groups in Chemical Engineering (6th) and Anatomy and Physiology (9th) respectively, the latter including the subject areas of ophthalmic and aural and oral sciences.

Dr David Webb, Reader in Photonics and Head of Electronic Engineering at Aston, said:

As a Subject Group we are delighted to receive such positive feedback from our undergraduates. We want to offer our students the best experience possible, and we will be working hard to build on our strong, design-focused courses and research ethic. For example, we have recently launched a new fast track MEng that we believe offers students an incredibly exciting opportunity to combine both university and industrial experience within a four year programme.

In the last two years, Aston’s Electronic Engineering Group has secured nearly £3m of research funding and is involved in a range of worldwide research collaborations. This funding includes £600,000 from the European Regional Development Fund matched by Aston to provide £1.2m of business and research support to Small and Medium Enterprises within the Midlands Region. An award of €1.7m was received by Professor Sergei Turitsyn in recognition of his current and continued advancement of nonlinear photonic technologies. This is currently funding new research posts and PhD opportunities in Photonics at Aston University to increasingly push ultra-long fibre and random laser technologies. Research in this field of Electronic Engineering will focus on the development of foundations for new generation fibre lasers for telecommunication and sensing applications and new approaches to secure communications.

Landmark week for Birmingham’s international investment drive

The success of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s recent visit to Birmingham has sparked new interest from Chinese business leaders in the city’s potential as an investment location.

The city’s long held relationship with China, highlighted by the Premier’s decision to start his three day visit to the UK in Birmingham, led the way for two further Chinese delegations to visit the city in the past week. The last seven days have also seen a landmark agreement signed between Midlands firm, Arup and the China Railway Group (CREC) and announcements from the University of Birmingham and Hortons’ Estate on collaborations with Chinese organisations.

Senior figures from First Auto Works (FAW) met with Business Birmingham and other business leaders to explore the city’s potential. FAW, the second largest automotive manufacturer in China after Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), are exploring their options for R&D, distribution and manufacturing sites in Europe. Working with automotive importer, IM Group, Birmingham was the only UK investment location FAW visited.

Leader of Birmingham City Council and President of Marketing Birmingham, Mike Whitby said:

This city has had a strategy of engagement with China for the last six years, prioritising it as an investor of the future for Birmingham. The events of the last week demonstrate that it is a strategy that is paying off.

Birmingham’s credentials in the automotive sector are unrivalled in Europe. The Birmingham area accounts for over 30 per cent of all UK manufactured automotive production and over 60 per cent of all UK automotive R&D. We have the talent and expertise – and now, with our growing international reputation, interest in our offer is building.

SAIC’s significant investment in MG at Longbridge is testimony to our strength in cutting edge transport technologies – if we can attract one of the biggest global players, there is no reason why we cannot attract more."

Also in the last week, 110 business leaders, academics and government representatives from Guangzhou, the third largest city in mainland China, met 230 UK delegates at the New Guangzhou, New Business Opportunities conference held by the University of Birmingham. The event provided an opportunity for UK companies to explore potential trading relationships with Birmingham’s sister city.

Building on the success of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the conference the University is now set to open a collaborative centre in Guangzhou. The University is collaborating with the People’s Government of Guangzhou Municipality on the joint venture. The University of Birmingham Guangzhou Centre will be set up later in the summer to "identify, design and co-ordinate the delivery of joint research projects" in Guangzhou and the broader Pearl River Delta region.

Trade announcements made during the Premier’s visit included deals which could have a significant impact on the West Midlands. International engineering consultancy, Arup signed a landmark agreement with one of the world’s largest civil engineering groups, CREC.

The two parties formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in London in the presence of the Chinese Premier, Wen Jiabao, and British Prime Minister, David Cameron. Des Correia, Director, Arup Midlands Region Leader, said:

Potentially, this agreement will allow us to leverage the significant technical skills and global working experience that we have on tap at our Midlands Campus in some of the key export markets we are pursuing. It also enhances our existing linkages with our colleagues in East Asia and our ability to help support some of the inward investment initiatives that Birmingham and the West Midlands is striving for."

Meanwhile property company Hortons’ Estate have announced a multi-million pound deal with China’s largest lighting manufacturer to expand its successful operation at a Birmingham business park.

Wouter Schuitemaker, Investment Director, Business Birmingham, says the Chinese Premier’s visit and the interest and deals it has sparked, provided a boost to the city’s international reputation. He said:

The impact of the Premier’s visit is significant and has put Birmingham in the international spotlight and boosted our reputation as a global business location – particularly for transport technologies.

China’s economy is growing at a phenomenal rate and as a result, it needs strong investment opportunities. Birmingham has attracted more Chinese investment projects than any other UK city outside London since 2003, receiving £76.59m in capital investment and creating 596 jobs during this period.

The week’s events demonstrate the enormous potential for two-way investment that exists between Birmingham and China. The city has worked hard over the past six years to build a strong business relationship with China and this hard work is beginning to pay dividends. West Midlands businesses are in a prime position to take full advantage of the opportunities on offer.

In addition to its automotive and transport expertise Birmingham’s access to a skilled workforce, physical and technological infrastructure and the fact that more languages are spoken here than any other city outside the capital make a compelling case for Chinese investors looking for a secure home for their interests."

Business Birmingham and Birmingham City Council have commissioned MEBC (Midlands Environmental Business Company) to identify successful local companies engaged in the low carbon and environmental sector.

The research will include a series of business surveys being conducted over the next few weeks which aim to identify current best practice and success in these new markets, understand the barriers and constraints to growth and the best way to support businesses in these sectors in the future.

A key aim of the research will be to understand the criteria that enable successful companies to diversify or make the transition to low carbon and establish which common factors can create a distinctive proposition for Birmingham.

If your company would like to get involved in this research please visit www.mebconline.com to register your interest and participate in the survey.

Adam Henderson, aged 25, from Birmingham, was selected as one of 30 scholars from over 400 nominations, following a rigorous eight-week selection process by The Marketing Academy, as part of its Marketing Hall of Legends’ (MHL) intensive coaching and mentoring scheme. Adam said:

“I am absolutely delighted. I have worked enormously hard to get where I have, but getting here would not have been possible without the support of my family, friends and of course my foundations at Aston Business School, where I studied Management and Strategy (MAS) as well as gaining a whole host of life skills that have helped in my professional career.”

The MHL scheme is designed to help solve the problem of succession planning in marketing teams by developing the expertise and vision of young marketers. Adam, as well as his fellow 29 marketing scholars, will receive a year’s worth of teaching and mentoring from a list of distinguished marketers, professional leadership coaches and prominent personalities from marketing academia.

The scholars will also benefit from up to 12 face-to-face sessions with marketers and leaders drawn from a variety of professional sectors and up to four lunch sessions, in which small groups are hosted by a leading business figure. For example, in a few weeks Adam is due to meet Mark Howe, the Managing Director of Google, the universal search engine. There will also be one-day workshops on a number of key marketing disciplines, including marketing strategy, direct marketing, digital and public relations.

Soon after graduating in July 2008 from Aston Business School, Adam quickly secured a place on the graduate scheme at Jaguar Land Rover, where he was promoted to the position of National Dealer Marketing Manager after only 18 months at the automotive giant, then aged just 23.

In this interview Adam Henderson talks about his career journey so far and his involvement in the Marketing Academy. In his current role, Adam is responsible for the creation and delivery of all communications across all channels, both print and online, for all of UK’s 90 Jaguar dealerships, to increase sales. He manages a team of 18 staff.

Before joining Jaguar Land Rover, Adam spent time in public relations at the Volkswagen Group, working in one of the busiest automotive press offices on everything from the launch of new cars to the provision of cars for Top Gear live to play life-size football.

The Marketing Academy whose mission is “to inspire and develop the marketing talent of today to become the leaders of tomorrow”, consists of 80 world-class mentors, 26 coaches, 18 judges, 30 companies and 28 charities. Its founder and chief executive is Sherilyn Shackell.

Hosted by Birmingham City University for the second year running, the event saw almost 30 students from Birmingham City University, Aston University and the University of Liverpool battle it out to become UK champions and represent UK universities in the international finals being held in Stuttgart early next year.

Facilitated by Stuttgart Media University (HdM) each team had to control the fortunes of a fictitious company making alternative low energy cars, defending their market position against the other teams in a series of simulations designed to develop their business and team skills.

Professor David Tidmarsh, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, opened the event. He said:

“This is a great opportunity for students to develop and practice their business skills in a safe environment and is an example of how we are assisting our students with their employability in an ever competitive market.”

Over the course of five ‘periods’ the teams had to make decisions to maximise their opportunities based on the information given to them at the start of each period. With changing conditions the teams had to build on their decisions from earlier periods, cumulating in a presentation to a panel of judges.

In a very close contest, Birmingham City University were declared the winners, and will now go on to represent the UK at the EBMC Finals which take place in January 2012 in Stuttgart. They will take on teams from Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Scotland Sweden and Switzerland.

Ron Brown, Innovation Development Manager from Research Innovation and Enterprise Services (RIES) at Birmingham City University, organised the competition. He said:

“This is a great result for our university in our second year of competing for the whole team to be invited to the final.”

The winning team of Birmingham City University students from Birmingham City Business School (BCBS) and the Faculty of Technology Environment and Engineering (TEE) were consistent throughout the two days and received some very favourable comments from the judging panel on their final presentation and the facilitators on their performance throughout.

On winning the competition student Anderson Banda said:

“It’s been a tough couple of days but I’ve learned a lot, really enjoyed it and am looking forwards to the finals.”

Guy Jones, guest judge and Sales and Marketing Director for MG Motors and Head of UK and European Operations, added:

“I’ve seen many presentations from sources at all level and I was very impressed with the content covered by the teams especially as most of the students have little experience of this sector.”

Professor Paul Bowker, Associate Dean at Birmingham City Business School and fellow judge, was delighted that a team with BCBS students won the competition and Dr Steve Harding, Head of Policy Development within RIES commented:

“this is just another example of the work that the university is doing in building up our links with other universities in the UK and abroad.”

Birmingham City University is collaborating with Stuttgart Media University (HdM) and the University on Nantes on the European Cluster of Creativity and Enterprise (ECCE) Innovation programme.

The Aston Centre for Europe conference, ‘Securing smart, sustainable and inclusive growth for the new Europe’, will be debating the ‘Europe 2020’ strategy. This European Commission ‘blueprint’ is designed to drive forward competitiveness with innovation and green growth firmly at the heart of the plan. The free event at Aston’s Lakeside Conference Centre on Thursday 7 July 2011, will allow participants to debate whether the 2020 framework is robust and addresses the needs of European entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Key speakers and panel members will include: Malcolm Harbour, Conservative MEP; Siôn Simon former Erdington MP for Labour; Jerry Blackett, CEO, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce; Gerald Wolf, Economic Affairs, German Embassy, London and Dr Ruth Paserman from the European Commission.

Dr Carolyn Rowe, Lecturer in Politics at the Aston Centre for Europe said the event, part of the ‘New EU Agenda series’ series will provide chance for a lively business debate, bringing together business leaders, academics, policy practitioners and local activists with a shared interest in developing a sound European policy framework for the delivery of the Europe 2020 strategy’s goals and objectives.

“We will be examining and questioning European Commission plans for future jobs prospects for Europe and the region, the best ways to foster innovation, and the sustainable business growth of our cities. We want to encourage an opinionated debate with featured key note speeches from prominent national and regional representatives, and the opportunity for roundtable and question and answer sessions.”

The Aston Centre for Europe conference, ‘Securing smart, sustainable and inclusive growth for the new Europe’ is at Aston University, Lakeside Conference Centre on Thursday 7 July 2011 from 9.45am to 6pm with drinks reception. Attendance is free, however space is limited.

For more information and registration, please email europe@aston.ac.uk

Business leaders, academics and government representatives are coming together for a one-day conference focusing on new business opportunities with Guangzhou, a sister city of Birmingham. Hosted by the Vice-Mayor of the People’s Government of Guangzhou Municipality, in partnership with the University of Birmingham, the ‘New Guangzhou, New Business Opportunities’ conference is taking place on Friday 1 July at the ICC in Birmingham.

Offering a unique opportunity to explore investment potential in Guangzhou, more than 110 senior officials and business leaders from the third largest city in mainland China will meet UK delegates at this major exhibition and networking event.

Exhibitors from Guangzhou’s nine city districts and five industry development zones will be showcasing new business ventures emerging from the extensive reform of industry and business structure in the city of Guangzhou. A wide range of sectors including arts and culture, health and medicine, science, technology, IT, research and development and advanced manufacturing will be represented.

The conference will also feature presentation sessions, one-to-one meetings and consultations to develop new areas of engagement. Selected business leaders will also participate in an executive forum at the event sharing previous experiences of China/UK engagement activities and discussing the potential to foster new areas of collaboration. Following the conference, the Guangzhou delegates will visit the University of Birmingham campus to see relevant key research areas.

The University of Birmingham is one of the most engaged British universities with China and is ranked in the top three in the UK for the number of joint publications with Chinese collaborators. Guangzhou has been a sister city of Birmingham since 2006 and has a history of collaborating with Birmingham in a range of different areas, most notably health and social sciences.

Professor Edward Peck, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Birmingham, commented:

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Birmingham-Guangzhou sister city relationship and the University has ever-deepening links with the city. We are delighted to welcome such a large and high-profile delegation to Birmingham for what is set to be a very productive day. The University of Birmingham is extremely proud of its partnership with Guangzhou and would encourage others to attend the conference to find out more about what the city has to offer.

Vice Mayor of Guangzhou Gong Erzhen said:

Guangzhou attaches great importance to friendship and cooperation with the UK. We have established sister city ties with Birmingham and Bristol. In 2010, the foreign trade volume between Guangzhou and the UK reached $1.4 billion USD. Guangzhou presents new business opportunities for cooperation and development. Guangzhou will remain open and cooperative and push forward cooperation with all parts of the world from this new starting point.

New Guangzhou, New Business Opportunities’ is taking place on Friday 1 July 2011 from 9.30am – 2pm at the ICC, Birmingham. This event is open to the public and free to attend, however registration is required. To register, please complete the registration form available at the event website.

Business and Engineering academics from Aston University and the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi are overseeing the construction of a combined heat and power plant (CHP) in a remote village in northern India.

Fuelled by crop waste such as rice husks and prosopis wood the 300kw biomass-solar plant will provide heat, steam and electricity to downstream plants, which are also being built as part of the three year project. This includes a rice mill, fruit and vegetable processing plants and a water distillation unit. The combination of solar and biomass power will reduce fuel consumption while allowing round the clock operation.

The plant will allow regional farmers and their families to access a cheap, renewable and reliable energy source that in-turn can help remote villages to generate an income and escape from a cycle of ‘fuel poverty’. The research team wants to use this pioneering project to create a blueprint for renewably powered combined heat and power boilers, capable of being replicated throughout India.

This blueprint of work will include;

• Mapping specific regions to assess access to existing biomass and renewable energy resources to ensure there is no conflict with existing land for food production.

• Engaging with communities to assess specific business needs and assessing attitudes to the need and potential of proposed energy technologies both current and future

• Creating a reliable and small scale CHP system which can be used in the long term by communities and replicated easily in other areas.

Dr Prasanta Dey, Reader in Operations Management at Aston Business School said:

“We want to develop a holistic business model which can be replicated to grow wealth in rural communities. In India, over 70 per cent of people live in rural communities. We believe this project will empower and benefit the villagers involved, create sustainable rural development and encourage entrepreneurialism.”

Dr Philip Davies, Associate Dean of Research at the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Aston, said:

“A reliable and readily available energy supply is critical for economic development. Bringing renewable and sustainable energy supplies to areas of rural India can ensure we can help people escape from a cycle of poverty. Most India farmers are small holders with limited technology for processing and preserving food. Reliable energy systems are needed to power such technologies and at the same time create employment. This research will create a wealth of ecological and economic benefits along the entire biomass chain, and will offer valuable new research in an evolving industry.”

The three-year, £3m Science Bridges project, is being supported by Research Councils UK (RCUK) and the Indian Department of Science and Technology (DST). The project will also investigate renewable biomass technologies in the United Kingdom, which are being developed by Aston University and the European Bioenergy Research Institute.

This seal of approval means that Aston is one of only nine business schools in the UK and the only business school in Birmingham, to be awarded the full five-year accreditation by the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), the quality inspectorate for the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). This is a strong indicator of the confidence in the provision and quality of the School’s Teaching and Learning, and also its world-class Research.

This confirms Aston Business School’s standing as a ‘triple crown’ institution: along with EQUIS, the School is recognised by AMBA – the Association of MBAs and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, AACSB. This ‘triple crown’ status places Aston among the top one per cent of business schools worldwide.

There are three and five-year accreditations, and the latter is only awarded to selected business schools that satisfy the tough criteria and exceptionally high standards set by EQUIS, signifying that these schools are good in all areas and excellent in many of them.

Hence, the accreditation was granted only after a thorough investigation of all aspects of Aston’s teaching, research and administration by an independent panel of international experts.

Executive Dean at Aston Business School, Professor John Edwards, said:

“We consider Aston to be the best, and we work hard to ensure that it is recognised as a truly outstanding learning community. It is, however, very welcome to be told by an external and independent source that we are achieving well not only nationally but internationally. We are truly proud of our achievements.”

The aim of EQUIS is to uphold excellence in management education worldwide, and successful schools must demonstrate a balance between high academic quality and professional relevance alongside close interaction with the rapidly evolving corporate marketplace. EQUIS attaches particular importance to the creation of an effective learning environment that favours the development of students’ managerial and entrepreneurial skills, and fosters their sense of global responsibility. It also looks for innovation and creativity taking place within the School.

The Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change explored a pioneering Combined Heat and Power generator (CHP), which is housed at The International Convention Centre. She was so impressed by the sustainable and resilient energy-saving system that she said it should be looked at in future policy development.

The ICC is home to the Broad Street City Centre Energy Network’s CHP, though some of the city’s most iconic buildings – such as The NIA, Council House, Town Hall, Rep Theatre, Paradise Circus and Hyatt Regency Hotel – benefit from the scheme.

The fuel-efficient generator provides electricity, chilled water for air conditioning and hot water for heating to major buildings in and around Broad Street and Victoria Square. Since its launch in November 2007 the CHP has already saved nearly 10,000 tonnes of carbon.

The MP had heard about CHP projects but her visit to The ICC – organised by Broad Street Business Improvement District (BID) - gave her an opportunity to see the generator in action for the first time.

During the fact-finding visit to The ICC, the former Home Office junior minister also had a chance to view the Carbon Calculator, which keeps a running total of the amount of CO2 being saved and is visible to the public.

Don Cook, Venue Services Manager at The ICC, said:

We have been impressed at the energy savings made since the CHP launch and have been pleased to play host to the innovative scheme. As one of the UK’s premier conference venues, The ICC is acutely aware of its environmental responsibilities and we are thrilled that the visiting shadow energy minister agrees with the important role that this system is playing in cutting the carbon footprint of the UK’s second city.

We will continue to develop this and other initiatives to help The ICC, as part of The NEC Group, and the city of Birmingham to reduce carbon emissions.

Broad Street BID Manager Mike Olley orchestrated the visit in partnership with Birmingham City Council to showcase Birmingham’s commitment to green initiatives. He said:

We were thrilled that Meg Hillier visited and gave her seal of approval to what we’re doing in and around Broad Street. She had heard about the good work that has been taking place at The ICC and wanted to visit a successful commercial project that is drastically reducing carbon emissions. She said the CHP project is a great idea and was really interested in how it could be rolled out across the country.

Many cities talk about climate change and reducing their impact and I’m proud to say that Birmingham has been taking giant strides to reach this goal.

All power generators emit heat as they generate electricity, which is usually released into the environment. CHPs harness this by-product to provide heat and/or hot water – essentially recycling the waste product of generating power.

Unlike traditional forms of energy production, which are typically only 30 per cent efficient, the CHP scheme will achieve an efficiency rating closer to 80 per cent. This will both dramatically reduce carbon emissions by 2,800 tonnes in its first year and provide significant savings in energy bills for buildings connected to the network.

Shadow energy minister Meg Hillier (middle) is shown the green side of Birmingham with Mike Olley, Broad Street BID Manager, and Fiona Loveland, of the Brindleyplace management team.

Their focus on working together to build a green deal contrasts sharply with the UN climate change talks in Bonn that end today with little agreement on extending the Kyoto Protocol.

Speakers at last Wednesday’s meeting included representatives of local firms who highlighted the opportunities for the region in supplying the UK’s £15 billion housing retrofit needs.

There are 26 million homes that must be improved if we are to hit our national energy efficiency targets.

Richard Brooks from sponsors Anthony Collins Solicitors set out a challenge to deliver the low carbon economy whilst meeting the needs of local communities hit by fuel poverty or long term unemployment by offering targeted training and job opportunities.

Chris Handy showed terraced homes that “put money in people’s pockets”. These houses process their own waste and are entirely carbon neutral. Chris is Chief Executive of the Accord Group, which is opening a new factory in Walsall to manufacture low carbon timber homes.

Malcolm McIntosh, who directs the Asia Pacific Centre for Sustainable, argued that we need to “remove perverse subsidies for polluting industries”. The future, he says, requires “an engaged democracy and real leadership”.

Matthew Rhodes, managing director of Warwickshire-based Encraft, demonstrated how small companies are best suited to deliver large scale change. Like his own 30-strong team, they can engage local skills and work alongside homeowners in deciding the most suitable improvements.

Lubo Jankovic from Birmingham City University gave a fascinating insight into Birmingham’s first Zero Carbon house. This 4-bed house with studio loft in Balsall Heath generates more energy than it uses, even throughout this recent harsh winter. He believes the key to unlocking the market lies in education of more zero carbon designers, as the economics and technology already make sense.

Six companies also presented their new technologies to a panel of Birmingham’s top legal and investment firms including Midven, Beer & Partners, Mercia Fund and Advantage Business Angels.

• Paul Chadwick, director of Ergohome, presented hi-tech prefabricated houses that are suitable for any climate or location. They are ready to be rolled out nationally, today.
• N. Leon Jacob, director of Abacus Solar, talked about his new composite solar panels that increase thermal output by four times, thereby significantly boosting energy gains.
• Piers Cave, director of Eco Answers, showed a raised loft flooring system. It is very quick and easy to install, works in virtually any loft, and greatly reduces heat loss.
• Mark Thompson at AceOn Solar is developing portable energy products including solar modules and power systems. He argued for the need to assemble locally to meet the growing global market.
• Sean Derrig from Chemex is introducing friendly bacteria into frontline emergency medicine services, hotels and restaurants. These provide cleaner and safer working environments.
• Thomas Lipinski, chief technology officer of Green Structures, showed a heat recovery system that fits in a chimney stack and ‘skins’ for adaptive houses that absorb energy or sweat heat depending on environmental conditions.

Together these technologies provide an exciting range of opportunities for business growth with commitment for local government, industry and universities to work together to help local SMEs flourish.

Birmingham attracted an additional 154,000 visitors last year according to new figures released by industry research body, Global Tourism Solutions.

Visitor numbers rose to 32.8m in 2010, from 32.6m in 2009 – bringing an additional £18m into the city. The overall value of the city’s visitor economy is now £4.6bn.

Birmingham’s strong performance appears to be bucking both a national and international trend – with tourism bodies VisitBritain and VisitEngland both reporting drops in the number of domestic and international visitors holidaying in the UK.

The STEAM report, produced annually by Global Tourism Solutions to assess the economic impact of visitors to the UK’s major cities, also revealed that its 32.8m visitors spent nearly 37.5m days in Birmingham in 2010 – an increase of 364,000 days. The average visitor to the city stays for 1.1 days and spends £140.

Birmingham’s visitor economy has grown significantly over the last five years with visitor numbers rising by 13% from 29.1m to 32.8m. These figures fuel the sector’s growing economic impact which has risen by nearly three quarters (72%) in the last five years - from £2.7bn in 2005 to £4.6bn in 2010. The strength of the city’s visitor economy has also created 21,220 jobs over the last five years, with employment in the sector going up by more than half (57%).

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

Birmingham’s visitor economy has seen strong growth in recent years – from visitor numbers, their economic impact and the number of jobs created by the sector. Today’s figures confirm its position as a key driver of the local economy.

The city’s continued investment in its infrastructure, transport networks and resources to promote its offer at home and abroad have helped to attract new visitors and provide them with the high quality experiences they need to return, and to recommend Birmingham to others. This growing reputation is what, in turn, has created economic growth and jobs for the city.

The city continues to support the work of Marketing Birmingham in promoting the city as a visitor destination. The fact that Birmingham has seen visitor numbers increase despite a drop in figures nationally indicates that our promotional activity is achieving real results.

Neil Rami, Chief Executive, Marketing Birmingham, said:

These figures are extremely encouraging given the current economic climate and are testimony to Birmingham’s proposition for both leisure and business visitors alike.

As we know, the weak pound and increased fuel costs have led to a rise in the ‘staycation’, with more people looking at what is available in the UK rather than travelling further afield for holidays. The choice of where to go for a break has taken on greater significance than ever – and by opting for Birmingham, visitors are voting with their feet.

The city’s non-serviced accommodation sector also saw significant benefits from the increased visitor numbers. The research outlined an overall increase in the number of overnight stays at non-serviced accommodation, with the sector enjoying a 17% jump in bookings, up from 609,480 to 711,560 as consumers seek home-from-home hotel experiences when visiting the city. In comparison, national figures fell, with 6% fewer bed nights and a 5% decrease in spend.

Birmingham’s hospitality sector is eagerly awaiting some exciting additions to its existing portfolio with 28 hotels currently at various stages in planning and construction. The new development activity demonstrates the confidence investors have in both this sector and Birmingham itself as a vital leisure and business destination.

Two flagship hotels are planned for the city by Sanguine Hospitality Limited. These include one of Birmingham’s newest developments - the upscale boutique Hotel Indigo, occupying two floors of The Cube and including 42 bedrooms and 10 suites, which is due to open in December - and the £34 million 285-bedroom Hampton by Hilton hotel based at Cumberland House on Broad Street.

Simon Matthews-Williams, Chairman, Sanguine Hospitality Limited, said:

Our significant investment in Birmingham reflects our confidence in the city as a growing leisure and business break destination. We recognise the vast opportunity offered by Birmingham’s visitor economy and are extremely proud to be part of two of the most exciting developments currently under construction in the city. The Hampton by Hilton and Indigo at The Cube offer quite different propositions and reflect the vast array of visitors to the city and their differing requirements.

New research uncovers depth of relationship between higher education and SMEs in the Midlands.

Almost three-quarters (73%) of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the Midlands have worked with a university or higher education institution (HEI) in the past year, according to research published today by the Institute of Directors and Universities UK. The research, part of Universities Week 2011, reveals wide ranging engagement driving innovation and employment as well as boosting local economies.

The leading programme in Europe that is helping businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base is Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP). Since August 2010, Aston University itself has been involved in 19 Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP’s). This has involved work with 13 different companies across the public and private sector including E.On, Tata Motors, and BBR Optometry.

This commitment to liaising and providing support to business has seen Aston place as the 2nd highest provider of KTP’s in the West Midlands and at 12th nationally for KTP’s according to the Government’s Technology Strategy Board.

KTP’s provide businesses with access to university expertise, including academic consultancy and qualified graduate placements, allowing business to develop new products, services and processes. CASE awards provide businesses with a dedicated top quality researcher to focus on an industrially focussed research project for a three year period. Each researcher is supervised by a leading academic from a relevant technical area.

Dr Phil Extance (pictured right), Pro Vice Chancellor for Business Partnerships & Knowledge Transfer, said;

Aston University has a track record of carrying out exploitable research that is readily translated from an academic world into real products and services and that provides a catalyst to businesses to do thing differently. Bringing together the knowledge base of university academics and research students with the real challenges faced by businesses definitely yields new solutions and new insights.

Nationally, UK universities have collectively delivered Top of Form Bottom of Form 3.7million days of Continuing Professional Development courses with 43% attending lectures, conferences and public events; 15% working with universities to personally undertake professional development; and 8% using them to provide bespoke professional development for their employees.

Close working with universities on the employment pool also emerged as a trend with 28% of those surveyed in the Midlands employing recent graduates or post-graduates;18% offering work experience opportunities or sandwich placements; 11% offering formal internships for undergraduates, graduates or post-graduates; and 11% even working on live business projects as part of a course.

Miles Templeman, Director General of the Institute of Directors, said:

This research uncovers an ever-growing network of universities and small businesses delivering genuine innovation on the frontline of British business. We hear all the time of exceptional ways that smaller companies are working closely with universities to mutual benefit. It’s good for our members, good for universities and good for the economy. We want to see these relationships grow even stronger.

The research also shows positive experiences for businesses in the Midlands working with universities, with 68% viewing the impact of their links as positive or very positive; 46% finding the impact significant or very significant in terms of delivering their business objectives; and 35% viewing their businesses’ current links with universities as strong or very strong.

For more information on Universities Week, visit www.universitiesweek.org.uk and to show your support, join them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ukuniversities.

Mobile app developers and creative businesses throughout the Midlands are being invited to apply for a unique one day workshop with Nokia and top international creative agency, Wieden + Kennedy, for a chance to win £25,000 to develop a new mobile app for Nokia’s Ovi store.

The workshop, set to take place in Birmingham on 30th June, will include support from key Nokia personnel and marketing pointers from Wieden + Kennedy. One winning attendee will receive £25,000 to have their app idea brought to life, with further marketing support from Nokia’s Ovi Store and Wieden + Kennedy.

The Challenge

Whilst there have never been more opportunities for developers, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get noticed on app stores with anything up to 500,000+ applications. Nokia has designed Pitch ‘n’ Win in recognition of development costs and a need for developers to benefit from platform support and increased visibility.

The Opportunity

With over 5 million downloads per day, a user-base of over 225 million Nokia Symbian mobiles, and 75 million touch screen smartphones in the market today- the Ovi Store presents great opportunities for developers. More than 158 developers in 41 territories have already earned more than 1 million downloads for their apps.

Although Nokia has announced a switch to Windows Mobile operating system in 2012, it’s committed to shipping 150 million more Symbian devices, and developing the Symbian platform until at least 2016.

Announcing the scheme, Nokia’s Keith Varty said:

With a package including development funding and platform support, Pitch ‘n’ Win is the smart developer’s route into the smartphone market.

How to Apply

Approximately 8-10 developers and creative businesses will be chosen to attend the one day workshop following a simple online application process, with applicants outlining their app idea and brief details of the team behind it.

Deadline for applications is 17th June and invitations to attend the workshop will be issued to successful companies on 22nd June.

To download a copy of the full brief and to apply online, please visit http://events.forum.nokia.com/invitation/pitchnwinbirmingham

The SRA, which is responsible for the regulation of solicitors and solicitor practices across England and Wales, will be relocating 600 staff to Birmingham city centre.

Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme, has been working with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and will continue to support them as they develop their presence in the city.

Commenting on the announcement, Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council said:

Birmingham’s legal and professional services sectors are strong drivers of growth in the city and their development is a key part of our strategy to attract investment. The decision to relocate 600 staff to Birmingham city centre, despite some stiff competition, reflects the strength of our offer. Our talent pool and skills, location and continuing investment in infrastructure and transport were all deciding factors that have helped to bring these jobs to Birmingham.

This move, when considered alongside other major regulatory bodies in the city such as the Legal Ombudsman, the Office of the Public Guardian and Gambling Commission further confirms the talent, specialist knowledge and expertise of Birmingham’s legal and professional community. We will be building on this strong foundation to attract further investment and build Birmingham’s reputation as a natural location for the sector.

The relocation of 600 specialist legal staff is a positive move for Business Birmingham as it looks to build the city’s credentials in the legal and professional services sector and attract further investment.

Investment director Wouter Schuitemaker said:

This is great news and a very strong indication of the breadth and depth of the skills available. The SRA recognise is that Birmingham has a much bigger pool of talent and the right sort of skills for the Society to grow. We are starting to build quite a capacity for regulatory bodies and the Society could be up to 700 staff in the fairly near future.

More facts on Birmingham’s legal sector:

• 19,200 people employed in the wider legal sector
• 241,500 people are employed in Financial and Professional Services, ICT and Business Services in the Greater Birmingham area (20.6% of all employment) across almost 24,000 businesses
• The Birmingham Law Society was established in 1818 and is now the largest Local Law Society in the Country representing over 3000 solicitors, barristers, legal executives, trainee solicitors and paralegals in 200 practices in Birmingham and the Greater Midlands.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

Birmingham's visitors add £4.6bn to the city's economy

Birmingham is improving its status as a destination city after new figures showed it attracted an additional 154,000 tourists last year, generating more than £4bn to the local economy.

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Alliance hits out at 'errors' by rivals

Piece about the Go-HS2 campaign group, supported by the Business Birmingham campaign.

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Jobs boost for the region - Birmingham Press

The region’s workforce has received a massive boost with good news from both the manufacturing and professional sectors. Business Birmingham has been working with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and will continue to support them as they develop their presence in the city.

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£24m hotel anchors in Birmingham - Insider Media

Business Birmingham Investment Director Wouter Schuitemaker talks about why the newly-founded Hotel La Tour group's decision to locate its first development in Birmingham is significant for the city's hospitality sector.

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The new institute aims to provide the infrastructure and facilities to bridge the gap between research and technology and will undertake solution targeted research in key areas of mutual interest which explore ideas and concepts with commercial and government relevance.

Employees from QinetiQ are being seconded to the Institute to work with University scientists and engineers. The first two themes of research are space weather and autonomy. Space weather can affect a number of high tech systems including wireless systems, power lines and satellites as well as, for example, the global positioning system (GPS). The Poynting team is exploring techniques to mitigate wireless signal distortion introduced by space weather. The autonomy researchers are exploring autonomous robots and vehicles for a wide range of air and land applications.

Professor Paul Cannon, the Institute’s Director and Senior Fellow at QinetiQ, said:

QinetiQ is delighted to be working with the University of Birmingham and to be benefiting from the expertise that it has to offer. Together we cover the full range of technology development from basic research through to equipment prototype and service provision.

Professor Nigel Weatherill, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the University’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, said:

The initiative represents a new and innovative model for collaboration between higher education and industry. Working in the area of common expertise the commercial focus of QinetiQ will influence the programme of basic research at the University. Working together through staff secondments both partners will use the collaboration to help meet their own strategic goals.

Meet Business Birmingham at stand 319/321 at EuroLED, Europe’s largest LED lighting event.

The event will focus on the future of LED low carbon lighting technology and the offering it presents towards reducing energy consumption. In the current economic climate, new applications are emerging for this low energy, money saving technology, which presents new market opportunities for companies embracing the technology.

Birmingham is a pioneer within the sector and committed to achieving the city’s ambitious CO2 targets. This is in part due to the expertise stemming from world-class research and development led by universities within and around Birmingham.

The city also has plans for an integrated transport infrastructure which will ensure both business and consumer can enjoy a high quality of life in a truly energy-efficient environment.

If you’d like to find out more about Birmingham’s strengths within the renewable energy sector, download our factsheet or contact Martyn Mangan, Investment Manager via email on Martyn.Mangan@marketingbirmingham.com or telephone +44 (0)121 202 5144

For more information about the event, please visit the euroLED website www.euroled.org.uk

This latest result has cemented the theatre’s position as the busiest single theatre in the country and the most popular visitor attraction in Birmingham city centre. It is also the highest recorded paying audience at the Theatre since it reopened almost a decade ago following an award-winning multi-million pound redevelopment.

Commenting on the outstanding attendance figures and Birmingham Hippodrome’s performance generally, Chief Executive Stuart Griffiths said:

Admissions for our 2010/11 year that has just ended were very encouraging. Despite the downturn in the economy, it is clear that huge numbers of us still enjoy attending the theatre and place great importance on it - even with tighter budgets. Our success in attracting so many visitors has resulted in Birmingham Hippodrome contributing over £45m in economic impact to our local economy- something for which we are very proud.

On the stage itself, Birmingham Hippodrome’s record-breaking year included the première of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s new production of Cinderella, directed by David Bintley, which celebrated the 20th Anniversary year of the company’s residence in the city.

During 2010/11, Birmingham Hippodrome’s reputation as a centre for international dance was further enhanced as it played host to a range of productions including New York’s Mark Morris Dance Group and Havana’s Ballet Nacional de Cuba featuring ballet superstar Carlos Acosta – both part of the International Dance Festival Birmingham, a four-week celebration co-produced by Birmingham Hippodrome and DanceXchange.

Birmingham Hippodrome also secured a string of awards during the year including The Creative Industries category in the inaugural Birmingham Post Business Awards; a Special Award at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Midlands & North) for Stuart Griffiths; and Event of the Year at the Heart of England Excellence in Tourism Awards for International Dance Festival Birmingham.

Birmingham Hippodrome continues to play a major role in the cultural life of Birmingham. It is a key driver of the new Southside Business Improvement District (BID) which will see considerable investment in the southern part of the city centre adjacent to the redeveloped New Street Station.

The Theatre has recently published a revised Prospectus laying out its aims and ambitions for the future and has launched a new £1 million capital appeal to fund a new stage in 2012. The appeal was launched at a Gala Dinner held on 14 May on the stage itself, hosted by Christopher Biggins. The event raised over £40,000 to kick-start the fundraising effort.

The principals and senior staff members, all from Higher Technical Institutes (HTI’s) in Austria toured Aston’s facilities, meeting with lecturers, researchers and students. Austrian HTI’s are technology and craft orientated higher colleges, which specialise in engineering disciplines.

The delegation viewed the site of the new Aston University Engineering Academy, which is due to open September 2012. Based at Birmingham Science Park, Aston, adjacent to the University, it will allow up to 600 pupils aged from 14 to 19 years old to focus on engineering alongside core GCSE subjects.

Research showcased in the tour include a hydrogen powered car, designed and built by Aston students; bioenergy labs developing algae and sewage sludge for alternative energy sources and the University’s involvement in the innovative Conceive, Design, Implement & Operate (CDIO) learning initiative.

Lee Kilgour, Principal Designate of Aston University Engineering Academy, who met with the delegation, said;

Austrian HTIs play an important part in the country’s vocational education, particularly in engineering. Our new £17m Aston academy will provide students with real industry experience, so we were delighted to welcome the delegation and to discuss the potential for future collaborations.

Professor Alison Halstead, Pro Vice Chancellor at Aston, added;

Aston University will be working closely with the new Academy to help raise the aspirations of young engineers and develop a creative and innovative workforce for the region and beyond. Vocational education is particularly strong in Austria, so we’re delighted to showcase Aston University, the new Academy and the strong engineering skills base of the West Midlands.

The new Aston University Engineering Academy will support the newly launched Vocational Diplomas and Young Apprenticeships for 14-19 year olds. 

The Midlands was one of the UK’s most attractive destinations for inward investment with 91 projects in 2010, according to Ernst & Young’s latest European Attractiveness Survey.

This makes the Midlands the most attractive destination for inward investment projects outside of London and shows an increase of more than 35% on last year’s figures. These projects resulted in 3,769 jobs being created in the region, an increase of 150% and the largest increase in England.

Across the region, Birmingham was the biggest centre of activity with 14 new investment projects in the city, there were also 13 investment projects in Nottingham and five in Coventry. Manufacturing, software and business services all had multiple investments in the region.  The majority of these investments originated from the USA (27), while there was also considerable investment from Germany (11).

Wouter Schuitemaker, Investment Director for Business Birmingham, said:

Foreign investors are attracted to the Midlands because of its strong reputation and expertise in manufacturing, digital media and business services. The quality of our proposition means we have much repeat investment, particularly from the US and Germany. The challenge now is to remain competitive by securing this repeat custom while widening the breadth of our investor portfolio and attracting more countries to the area.

Midlands about more than manufacturing

We also have to build awareness of the diversity of the region’s offer – while a key strength, we are about more than just manufacturing. We are keen to develop investors’ understanding of the region’s broader offer including our strengths in R&D, digital media and business services.

We have worked with IBM PLI, the global location specialists, to identify a number of sectors, including cleantech, digital media, shared services and medical technologies as key growth areas for the region, thanks to its strong R&D, business and intellectual base. We are now rolling out a programme of international activity that will take the message of the region’s strengths in these areas to key markets and encourage investors to translate their interest to investment.

It is key for the UK and Midlands to distinguish its offer from others – including high growth markets where labour and manufacture is often cheaper. We are a highly skilled centre of innovation and ideas – ideas are what drive companies and it is our intellectual capital across a range of sectors that we must sell.

Infrastructure brings investors

The report highlights that investors believe major urban infrastructure projects (38%)  are key in making a city attractive as an FDI destination. With a £600million redeveloped transport hub in New Street station, a £65million runway extension at Birmingham Airport and potentially, High Speed Rail on the statute books by 2015 - Birmingham is well placed to become a leading European centre for inward investment.

Looking across the UK

Overall the UK remains Europe’s top destination for foreign direct investment with its highest number of investments since 1997, according to the report, but needs to broaden its pool of investors to remain competitive.

The report, which analyses inward investment and the attitudes of global investors, shows that the UK attracted 728 FDI projects in 2010, up 7% on the previous year, compared with 562 projects in France and 560 in Germany – whose projects rose by 34%, bolstered by its position as the number one location for Chinese investment in Europe since 2007.

The US was still the largest investor into the UK last year (254 projects) followed by India and Germany (44), Japan (42) and France (41).  Many of these companies are repeat investors, with the UK building up a strong loyalty and reputation among those organisations that have created a firm base in the UK market. 

Sara Fowler, Ernst & Young’s senior partner in Birmingham says that overall the headline figures for the UK are very positive, underlining our success in attracting investment. 

The UK has shown strong resilience in the face of adversity, pulling through the recessionary years to reinforce our position as the leading base for investment by foreign companies into Europe.

The international business community, surveyed as part of the report, continues to cite our technology infrastructure (89%), stable social environment (87%), quality of life, culture and language (86%) as what makes the UK the most attractive investment destination in Europe. We have a loyal following of foreign investors prepared to do repeat business here and government has an important role to keep us in pole position.

More needs to be done to woo new investors
However, Fowler believes that while the UK is slowly improving trade relations with the BRICs, our success at attracting investment from these countries is still below par compared with our leading position in Europe overall. 

Trade relations with India, for example, are gaining momentum (projects were up from 38 to 44 in 2010). But despite the number of projects coming into the UK from China increasing (up from 18 to 30) – the eighth most important source of FDI projects into Europe – our figures continue to disappoint compared with Germany’s stronghold on FDI,

We need to do more to attract high quality foreign investment; re-orientate where that investment is coming from towards the BRICs; and manage better our reputation with all overseas investors, not just those already established in the UK. These are all areas where Government has a role to play. If the UK fails to address these challenges we could start to see declining investor interest in our market relative to our competitors.

Of the 274 global executives interviewed specifically about the attractiveness of the UK as an investment destination, three key areas to address as having an impact on future competitiveness were the level of corporation tax; the administrative burden; and the levels of personal taxation in the UK.

Topline results

Midlands focused:

• Midlands the most attractive destination for inward investment outside of London with an increase of more than 35% on last year’s figures
• UK remains leading European destination for inward investment
• The Midlands attracted 91projects in 2010 – Birmingham was the biggest centre of activity with 14 new investment projects in the city, there were also 13 investment projects in Nottingham and five in Coventry.
• These 91 projects resulted in 3,769 jobs being created in the region, an increase of 150% and the largest increase in England
• Manufacturing, software and business services all had multiple investments in the region.
• The majority of these investments originated from the USA (27), while there was also considerable investment from Germany (11)

UK and Europe focused:

• Overall the UK remains Europe’s top destination for foreign direct investment with its highest number of investments since 1997, according to the report, but needs to broaden its pool of investors to remain competitive.
• The greatest number of projects in Europe come from business services, software, machinery and automotive. Most jobs are created by business services and automotive (West Midlands has strong reputation and expertise in this area).
• In 2011, the number of companies looking to invest in Europe rose 5%, and the number of investors without investment plans for Europe fell 6%. Overall, 33% will invest in Europe this year and, of these, 44% are expanding facilities.
• The US was still the largest investor into the UK last year (254 projects) followed by India and Germany (44), Japan (42) and France (41). China and India provide 6% of all FDI projects in Europe, unchanged year on year, but fewer of the new jobs.

The city became the first wireless city, offering free Wi-Fi for the whole of the city centre, highlighting Birmingham’s dynamic and innovative culture. The city has both the strength and depth in the digital sector, with a vibrant mix of companies, from global systems integrators to thousands of smaller independent firms totalling 12,500+, a rise of 30% since 2005.

Digital District

The geographical focus for activity centres around Digbeth, aptly titled ‘Digital District’ where the city’s closely knit business community benefits from like-minded businesses. The sector is also greatly supported by the access to over 97,000 graduates each year from universities offering a wide selection of digital degree courses ranging from Games Technologies, Multimedia Computing to Computer Science.

A key strength for the region lies within the gaming industry, where 21 per cent of the UK games workforce is situated, encompassing a wealth of leading agencies in games, serious games and interactive digital media.

Birmingham is also home to a variety of incubator hubs including Birmingham Science Park, Aston and Fazeley Studios (pictured right) which house a growing community of vibrant digital companies, as well as established stand-alone businesses.

Danny Fisher, the Operational Head of Fazeley Studios, discusses in more detail how the city is growing its reputation in digital:

Fazeley Studios sits in the middle of Digbeth. Starting 20 years ago with the opening of the Custard Factory, the area has gradually become become recognised as the centre of digital and creative enterprise in the West Midlands.

Fazeley Studios was opened in 2008 by Lucan Gray. It has been developed with established digital businesses in mind, and will not accept applications for space from any business outside the digital sector. This tight focus and clear sense of purpose has led to the creation of a dynamic working community of like minded businesses. Ideas are shared, resources swapped and there is a general buzz about the place. And unlike many buildings providing workspace it is full, with a waiting list.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft – Rare Ltd – which develops games for the runaway success that is Xbox Kinect have taken a large chunk of space at Fazeley Studios. It would perhaps have seemed unlikely that one of the world’s biggest companies would take space in the gritty urban context of Digbeth a couple of years ago. But with the eco system of digital businesses in the building it was the natural choice for Rare when looking to relocate. Fazeley Studios uses a vast 1860s Unitarian Chapel as its reception, and the generous public areas including a courtyard and winter garden. These also serve as overflow space for Fazeley Social the slick on site brasserie style café that is open to the public. There are also events spaces for meetings and conferences between 6 and 250 people.

With the boom in digital industries Fazeley Studios is a gloom free zone, you can positively feel the energy flowing as you wonder around. There is no reason the next world beating idea to take on Facebook or Google shouldn’t come from Birmingham. If it does, there is a very good chance the company will spring from Fazeley Studios.

Web design and development agency One Black Bear (studio pictured right), current residents at Fazeley Studios, predict a bright future for the city's creative and digital sector:

When we outgrew our premises at the Custard Factory in Digbeth, there was a real chasm in the business property marketplace. When we looked at the plans and site for Fazeley Studios, we were heartened. A place that seemed tailor-made for growing digital businesses like One Black Bear. We moved in not long after the site opened and as tenants have come in, the place has taken on a real soul. The range and pedigree of creative businesses that call Fazeley Studios home is testament to the burgeoning scene we now have here in Birmingham.

Things do really seem to be on an upward curve for the creative sector. I fully expect 2011 and the first part of 2012 to be challenging but as we career toward Olympic year, I think those businesses that are sensible, agile and lucky enough to avoid the turbulence of the downturn stand in good stead to grow exponentially thereafter.

The catalyst of London 2012 will reverberate around the country and will, I think, see the ‘feel-good’ factor return to business and society in general. We saw a glimpse of this as a side-effect of the recent Royal nuptials and these outpourings of collective positivity will drag the economy up by its bootstraps. Birmingham's creative scene is blessed with many talented individuals who will undoubtedly navigate their businesses to greater success during the recovery. Bring it on!

To see the full list of Fazeley Studios residents and for more information visit www.fazeleystudios.com

For more insight into Birmingham’s offering as a digital centre, please see our downloadable factsheet.

The two-year project, entitled Disaster 2.0, aims to discover how countries in Europe can use social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, as well as YouTube, Ushahidi – a computerised real-time mapping service – and other web-based technologies during disasters.

The £950,000 project, co-funded by Aston University, aims to identify and share good practice across Europe in three key areas: (1) How Emergency Management Agencies, or EMAs, are using new technologies to communicate with the public (2) how EMAs are introducing innovation to improve impact of new technologies and (3) what next for EMAs, in terms of new technologies.

Disaster 2.0 aims to establish the role of Web 2.0 platforms in mitigating damage to Critical Infrastructure and building resilience in the public. It will attempt to achieve this by maximising the use of social networking sites as one of the most popular, efficient and effective methods of communication with people, irrespective of geographical distance. In addition, it will also establish the scope for semantic web (Web 3.0) technologies in emergency management.

Professor Duncan Shaw, Director of The Aston Centre for Research into Safety & Security (CRISIS), said:

We are grateful to the European Commission for their financial support which will enable us to extend our research into how the internet and new technologies could further improve public resilience. We live in an era where communication is faster than ever before and we aim to create a model which will benefit us all, wherever we are in the world.

Now in its ninth year, the Aston Centre for Research into Safety & Security (The Aston CRISIS Centre) at Aston Business School, provides evidence-based advice to safety and security-related organisations both at home and abroad.

The Aston CRISIS Centre emerged from a need in government and private organisations for high quality support in preparing their operations and their people for new global challenges. To find out more about The Aston CRISIS Centre visit, visit the website or contact Tom Hart on 0121 204 4565 or via email.

Birmingham City University is holding the first ever Birmingham Techfest at Millennium Point on Saturday 25 June, 10am-4pm. The festival will incorporate the UK Micromouse Championship which has been hosted by the University for the past eight years.

Associate Dean of the Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment, Dr. Peter Rayson (picured right), said:

We wanted to help put Birmingham and the West Midlands on the technology and innovation map, where it truly belongs.

I think that the second city is often overlooked and that we have a lot to shout about; the region is home to Jaguar Land Rover – a business built around two great British car brands - and we have a thriving computer games industry on our doorstep.

The University itself works with leading global technology companies such as Microsoft, Apple and Cisco, is researching the use of algae to create an alternative fuel and is collaborating with East Ends Foods Ltd to develop an urban farm on the site of the iconic former HP Sauce factory.

We felt that many people may not realise what the region, and University, has to offer so we decided to hold Birmingham Techfest to highlight our achievements. We hope to attract as many businesses as possible to the event both in the capacity as sponsors and visitors.”

UK Micromouse is one of the most popular contests of its kind in the world and involves contestants racing robotic ‘mice’ round mazes. Micromouse began to grow in popularity in the late 1970s and the most popular events are held in the UK, US, Japan, Singapore, India and South Korea. Micromouse UK has grown to include a wide range of robotic activities other than the maze-solving competition, such as a schools’ competition and mini-sumo - in which contenders seek out their opponents and then ‘push them out of the ring’ - and robot football.

As well as UK Micromouse 201, the Techfest will showcase the activities of the University’s Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment and many of its partner organisations. There will be displays of students’ work from all four Schools within the Faculty, cutting-edge research and demonstrations. Birmingham Techfest will be open to schools, colleges, the public and businesses.

Business Birmingham Services

Discover the city that’s pushing all boundaries and find out more about Business Birmingham, which is your access point to Birmingham’s business networks and a comprehensive support package. This factsheet provides an overview of Birmingham’s business opportunities, its destination and service overview.

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Business Birmingham Developments

Find out more about key developments ready to energise your business, including an outline of the Big City Plan – the largest and most far-reaching development plan in Europe.

Sector factsheets

These focus on each of our priority areas;

Shared Services and Business Process Outsourcing

Find out more about the wealth of opportunities that Birmingham provides for companies looking to establish a shared service centre, revolutionising how businesses manage their operations.

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Transport Technologies

Learn about how Birmingham is building on its rich manufacturing heritage through its innovations in the aerospace, rail and automotive industries.

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Digital

Discover how Birmingham is a globally-connected city and one which represents a strong proposition for the digital and creative sector.

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Public Sector

A leading European business destination, Birmingham integrates and blends the best-practice solutions from the private sector to help deliver government and public services. Read about the wealth of opportunity for partnership working between central and national government in this factsheet.

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Low Carbon

Find out how Birmingham is catalysing on its R&D strengths within the university and business base towards delivering a low carbon, future-proof city.

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Life Sciences

Read about how the city is the most ideal location in which to undertake clinical trials, along with other expertise that the city offers in pharmaceuticals, medical biotechnology and medical technology.

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Investment cycle

These will give support and guidance for new businesses on a number of key topics throughout the investment cycle.

Recruitment

This guide will offer advice on key recruitment aspects for employers. With access to a working population of 4.3 million people within a one hour drive of Birmingham city centre, employers have a wealth of talent and skills to choose from.

Property

Finding the right home for a business can be central to its future success and growth. Birmingham offers a wide range of available office space with over 1.5 million square metres. This guide looks at the main aspects of finding and choosing the space that suits your business.

Immigration

Birmingham is unparalleled in the UK in terms of its diversity of people and talents and this guide provides an overview of business immigration to give your business the skills it needs.

Business Secretary Vince Cable attends BGF launch 

Business leaders from across the city heard from heads of the Business Growth Fund (BGF) at its official launch at Birmingham’s Council House recently.

The £2.5bn Business Growth Fund has been established to help growing businesses with a turnover of between £10m to £100m. The BGF will invest between £2m and £10m per business in return for a minimum 10 per cent equity stake and a seat on the board. The fund is backed by Barclays; HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group; Royal Bank of Scotland and Standard Chartered, in conjunction with the British Bankers Association.

Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme, has been working with the fund to secure a long term presence locally with an office in the city expected to open later this year. The launch event, which is in association with Business Birmingham, was attended by Business Secretary Vince Cable.

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

I am particularly encouraged by the potential of this £2.5bn fund to fill a growth capital gap for the city’s large SMEs. This fund will help successful businesses to develop, expand and ultimately contribute to the rebalancing of the UK economy.

Moreover, it will focus on companies whose growth would have a serious impact on the economic health of Birmingham and the Midlands, such as businesses with high growth potential that own innovative intellectual property, but are facing funding difficulties.

The city must ensure it continues to develop as a thriving and independent urban centre that offers diversity to the UK’s economy. Birmingham will be an active and able partner for the Fund as it looks to achieve this aim.

Also at the event were Chairman of the BGF, Sir Nigel Rudd; Angela Knight, Chief Executive of the British Bankers Association and BGF Chief Executive Stephen Welton.  Sir Nigel Rudd said:

I am delighted to officially launch the new Business Growth Fund in Birmingham. It is where we chose to base our first office and the main administration centre for our company. We have had a great deal of support from Birmingham Council, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Business Birmingham. Indeed many of you are in this room today because we have worked with Business Birmingham to organise this event.

Birmingham, and the Midlands more broadly, has suffered badly from de-industrialisation and disinvestment over the past 30 years. That, I am pleased to say is changing. People are picking themselves up from the devastating factory closures and job cuts of three decades ago. Today the Midlands' story is one of renewal and regeneration, especially in Birmingham and the West Midlands. That spirit, of picking yourself up, dusting yourself down, and carrying on with optimism is something that we need across the UK as we emerge out of recession.

Marketing Birmingham, which manages the city’s inward investment programme, Business Birmingham, has worked with the Business Growth Fund to establish a significant base here and has assisted in the launch programme for the fund.

Marketing Birmingham’s Chief Executive Neil Rami said:

The realities of today’s market require developing companies to have access to a mix of different types of finance. This Fund certainly fills a gap in the market for Birmingham and the wider region. It has the potential to fuel growth in areas identified as key to our city’s future such as the digital, leisure, low-carbon and healthcare sectors. As a result we took the view some time ago that it was important for Birmingham that the BGF has a significant base here.

At a time when we have seen an understandable reduction in financial support from the public sector for business support, this Fund presents a new and welcome proposition for the city in terms of our international inward investment activities.

This city has companies with the potential to create and develop world-class IP, products and services. We need to support them and encourage more to establish themselves here. It will be important that local companies come forward quickly to test the growth opportunities that BGF could bring for the city.

Jerry Blackett, Chief Executive of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group, said:

For reasons we don’t understand fully, Birmingham and the region is underweight in the numbers of high-growth businesses we enjoy. Businesses that grow quickly create at least six times the level of employment seen in other businesses, so they matter a lot. We believe one reason holding us back has been the difficulty of raising equity at the smaller end of the market, so we look forward to connecting the BGF team to opportunities locally. It could make all the difference.

The city rubs shoulders with Brussels, Berlin and Moscow in new research from property consultancy CB Richard Ellis. According to the firm’s Global Rents report, 18 out of the 34 European markets surveyed are seeing off rental decline. In the UK, this includes Birmingham and Manchester, with growth in London’s City and West End markets accelerating the fastest.

Although the signs are encouraging, Jamie Spires, a surveyor in CBRE’s office agency team in Birmingham, advises caution. He said:

According to our research, Birmingham is beginning the long, slow climb out of the trough. However, we do not believe rents in the city will accelerate quickly.

The Birmingham Office Market Forum has recently reported take-up of 101,565 sq ft for the first quarter of 2011. CBRE acted on four of the top five deals, accounting for 55,851 sq ft of lettings. Mr Spires said:

Last year take-up of 668,392 sq ft was achieved, so the quarterly average is down. However, it’s fairly typical to see a slow start to the year, with lettings accelerating towards the back end.

Coutts is rumoured to have paid £28.50 per sq ft for the top two floors of Standard Life’s 45 Church Street. Mr Spires said:

The Coutts deal achieved the highest rent this quarter. It’s some way short of the £33 per sq ft achieved at the peak of the market in 2007, but I’m confident that rents won’t be returning south.

The city’s supply of Grade A space is dwindling, and with no development pipeline to speak of, a handful of bigger deals will quickly exacerbate this. Landlords will then be in a position to hold out for better rents.

Rents on second hand space will be slower to recover, but this market will start to benefit from the Grade A absorption, in the medium-longer term.

The company, which specialises in providing recruitment services to the education sector, has taken 1,423 sq ft /132 sq m of office space at 2 Blucher Street, in the city centre, on an all inclusive basis.

The building, which is located opposite The Mailbox, is owned by Shrewsbury-based Morris Property, who were advised by Drivers Jonas Deloitte.

Philippa Pickavance, head of agency at Drivers Jonas Deloitte in Birmingham, said:

The location of the building, coupled with the fully inclusive package offered by Morris Property, made 2 Blucher Street an extremely attractive proposition for Tradewind Recruitment.

Bill Andrews, operations director at Tradewind Recruitment, said:

Birmingham is the first port of call in our expansion plans outside London. Our position as the premier education recruitment business in London is already proving to serve us well in the West Midlands.

We have been fortunate enough to find office space that is fitted out to the highest standard and in an ideal location for us, close to public transport links, as well as offering an opportunity to expand within the same space as our business grows.

Picture caption: Pictured outside Blucher Street is (left to right) Philippa Pickavance, David Lester, sales manger at Tradewind Recruitment, and Bill Andrews.

The European Commission is funding a major initiative on the Future Internet, providing foundations for transforming citizen’s lives and a variety of business opportunities. Aston Business School’s Centre for Sustainability and Innovation has been awarded funding of 217,000 Euros, or £192,402, over two years to carry out the research, in collaboration with twenty other partners across Europe specifically on the needs and challenges of using Internet technologies in the food and agriculture sector.

The Framework Programme Seven (FP7) Information and Communications Technology (ICT) project, entitled SmartAgriFood, will focus on the application of existing and emerging internet technologies to agricultural and food production, food logistics and food awareness.

Aston Business School is the only UK-based participant and is collaborating with 20 other partners from Spain, Greece, Germany, Finland, Hungary, and the Netherlands, under the over-all co-ordination of the Wageningen University and Research Centre in the Netherlands.

The project is one of eight currently being funded as part of the "Future Internet Public Private Partnership Programme” whose over aim is to advance Europe's competitiveness in Future Internet technologies and systems and to support the emergence of Future Internet-enhanced applications of public and social relevance.

It addresses the need to make public service infrastructures and business processes significantly smarter (i.e. more intelligent, more efficient, more sustainable) through tighter integration with Internet networking and computing capabilities.

SmartAgriFood aims to explore and identify actual and potential innovations in an attempt to achieve (1) more effective use of resources for production (2) minimising waste and energy to reduce the ecological footprint and (3) better handling and management of information to improve transparency and effective communication. The groundbreaking research, which began this month, is being led at Aston by Dr Christopher Brewster, lecturer in Aston Business School, and three colleagues.

Principal Investigator Dr Brewster said:

We are delighted to be participating in this research and are grateful to the European Commission for selecting us as a recipient of the funding.

He added:

We should not underestimate the power and value of the Future Internet as it have the potential to transform many further aspects of our lives. In SmartAgriFood, we will be focussing on what sort of Internet we will need to radically enhance food and agricultural production and make it more efficient, more environmentally friendly, and above all more transparent. Our expectation is that the EU supported project will enable an eco-system of innovative opportunities to arise for businesses and citizens as a whole.

The three key themes of this project are as follows:

• Smart Farming – concerns first the use of sensors and monitoring, decision support systems and precise input application so as to make the use of resources more efficient in food production, and secondly concerns ways to improve traceability and the flow of data along the food supply chain.
• Smart agri-logistics – concerns the intelligent matching of supply and demand followed by smart transport and logistics of agri-food products by eg. tracking of food products, conditioned transport using sensors and control systems, remotely controlled early warning systems, and better predictions of food transportation needs.
• Smart food awareness – concerns enabling the consumer with relevant information eg. concerning safety, availability, health, environmental impact, and animal welfare.

Environmental impact

Overall what this project means for ordinary citizens is better food produced with less impact on the environment, and greater knowledge and awareness about where our food comes from.

For the food industry from agricultural production through to retailing, the project promises to contribute to lowering of inputs, reducing costs, increasing market relevant data for all people and organisations involved, and the recognition that farming and food production while technically challenging is central to our collective future.

To arrange an interview with Dr Christopher Brewster, or for any media enquiries, please contact Dhiren Katwa, Press Officer at Aston Business School, on 0121 204 4954 or email d.katwa1@aston.ac.uk

Researchers at the University of Birmingham’s School of Health and Population Sciences are seeking to combat the rising obesity trend by targeting the school and family environment of the younger generation so that they will become healthier adults.

Obesity is one of the most serious public health problems of the twenty-first century and carries an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and other adverse health effects, which strain already scarce NHS resources.The effect of activities designed to promote healthier eating habits and to increase the physical activity of children at school and in the local community will be tested in one of the largest UK studies funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme.

Now a major public health issue, obesity costs the NHS approximately £500 million a year and can lead to untimely death, reducing life expectancy by up to 10 years. Obesity rates in the UK are the highest in Europe and UK children are rated third in the world’s obesity league, with 10% of 6 year olds affected.

This has become an increasingly localised problem; Birmingham residents have higher than average obesity levels, with more than 25% of the city classified as having a BMI greater than 30, and almost 20% of year 6 pupils in the region fall into this bracket.

Trial leader, Dr Peymane Adab, Senior Lecturer in Public Health and Epidemiology at the University of Birmingham explains:

The rate of obesity in Birmingham is increasing year on year. In our previous studies we have seen that from reception until year 6 when children leave primary school, the proportion of children who are overweight increases from 23 to 36% - so from one in 4 to one in 3 children.

Children who are overweight are more likely to remain overweight as adults and even from the age of 7; a child who is overweight has a higher risk of heart disease and of dying prematurely. If we are able to reverse the rising obesity trend, it would have significant impact on the life expectancy, health and quality of life of our children.

Over 2,000 primary schoolchildren from 50 local schools will take part in the study, where half of the participants will undertake a range of healthy activities through an obesity intervention package, and the other half will be used as a control and continue in their usual school and community activities, allowing for a comparison of changes in diet and physical activity levels over time between the two groups.

Dr Adab adds:

So far initiatives and research to prevent obesity have had limited success. This is partly because the focus has been on trying to change individual behaviour, and without full consideration of the factors in our environment that promote certain behaviours.

We will compare weight status, diet and physical activity levels among children in half the schools where we will implement our activities, with children in other schools where they will continue with their normal activities. We hope that we can demonstrate a difference in the number of children who become overweight between the two types of schools.

For more information, please contact clinical trial leader, Dr Peymane Adab via Tel: 0121 414 3777 or p.adab@bham.ac.uk or visit the National Institute for Health Research website.

The initiative is aimed at inspiring the next generation of architects by underwriting their attendance at the high profile event, which is to be held in Birmingham from 19-22 June.

Last year, 33 young people from across the UK took part in the event through the Architecture for Everyone campaign, a partnership between the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust and international architecture firm RMJM. The nationwide programme encourages young people from Britain’s inner-cities to consider a career in architecture and the built environment.

Assim, a Year 11 student from Birmingham, attended last year’s Summer School. He described the experience as,

Amazing and very beneficial to me, although I had fun I was learning at the same time.

Now finishing his GSCEs and planning his ‘A’Levels, he says,

This summer school has made me realise that buildings won’t be buildings without fantastic architects. I look at building in a different way - I just don’t see bricks anymore, I see foundations, frame work, design, appearance, thought and effort gone into every building. Through this summer school I have made some lifelong friends and it has given me the confidence to get involved in projects with architecture. It would be fantastic for this project to make other people’s dreams come true to see how it is to become an architect.

David Tittle, interim chief executive at MADE, said:

Offering a bursary is a simple way for the profession to inspire the next generation of architects, planners, landscape and urban designers. It is also an excellent way of meeting corporate social responsibility obligations, allowing firms to follow a young person’s progress and engage with them as they develop their career. The feedback we had last year from the young people involved through the Architecture for Everyone campaign was fantastic, and we would like to build on that.

The cost of a bursary is £500 (non-residential) or £750 (residential).

The Summer School involves four days of intensive learning on how to create high-quality sustainable places. Work on a live urban design project is supplemented by city walks, skills workshops, speaker presentations and site visits to the pick of the city’s top developments.

Top international keynote speakers have been lined-up including Peter Head CBE, named one of Time magazine’s top 30 global eco-heroes, and author and architect Carolyn Steel.

MADE has taken over responsibility for running the international urban design summer school from CABE. The event has attracted more than 750 people since its launch in 2004. Delegates include architects, planners, engineers, housing and regeneration professionals, community leaders and councillors.

For further information contact Jo Maguire at MADE, or visit www.udss.org.uk 

Legendary Investments Plc has acquired an initial 42.5 per cent. equity interest in Raw Games, a recently established company specialising in the development of games on platforms including mobile devices.

As part-consideration for the initial interest Legendary shall provide management and consultancy services to assist Raw Games in developing and growing its business. Legendary has also obtained representation on Raw Games' Board.

The principals and staff of Raw Games have the opportunity to earn back from Legendary a 22.5 per cent. equity interest in Raw Games upon hitting certain milestones; in that event, Legendary shall retain a 20% share stake. In addition Legendary has an option to increase its equity interest further, on terms to be determined.

Raw Games is a creative games developer founded in 2010 and based in Birmingham Science Park Aston supported by the Parks Entrepreneurs for the Future (e4f) programme. The technology utilised by Raw Game's enables it to design and develop core and casual games across the majority of established platforms (including mobile devices). Raw Games' strategy is to break games into smaller downloadable episodes that are story driven. This reduces game development cycles and allows games to be taken to revenue generation faster.

John Tearle, Managing Director of Raw Games said:

The mentoring and advice we have received together with the vibrant technology community at Birmingham Science Park Aston has been invaluable and we are delighted to have received our investment to take the business to the next stage.

Raw Games intends to take advantage of the emerging shift towards browser based gaming that is expected to be accelerated through the increasing adoption of cloud-based distribution channels. Raw Games first product, "The Spire" is currently under development. The teaser trailer release for The Spire received over 230,000 views within the first 5 days of release. The online games industry is growing rapidly. It is estimated that online revenue from games was around USD 12billion in 2009. This is expected to more than double by 2015.

Further information on Raw Games is available at www.rawgames.co.uk and further details on the Entrepreneurs for the Future programme are available at: http://e4f.bsp-a.com/

Oxygen Accelerator, an investment programme with intensive mentoring and training for technology start-ups, launches today and is open to receive applications from individuals or groups with an innovative tech-focussed product.

The 13-week intensive boot camp will be based at Birmingham Science Park Aston (BSPA) from 1st September 2011, and will provide selected groups with the necessary environment and equipment to be able to super-charge their business’ products and ideas as marketable in the real world.

The Oxygen Accelerator programme is working in partnership with BSPA and will select 10 teams from the applications to offer them evergreen funding of up to £20,000, a loan repayable once sufficient investment has been received or the business reaches a stage of profitability where it can afford to repay it.

These teams will then be asked to move to Birmingham for the duration of the 13 week programme to live and breathe their products during an intensive boot camp at Birmingham Science Park Aston, a high-tech facility perfect for inspiring entrepreneurs and to bring direction to their products.

Applicants will have access to a pool of state-of-the-art resources and also receive guidance from fellow successful tech entrepreneurs, business mentors and financial and legal support, which is imperative for any business during its formative stages. It’s about having the right advice or connections at the right time. Crucially at the end of the 13 weeks they will present their products to venture capitalists and angel investors, as the programme culminates with an ‘Investor Day’.

Serial entrepreneur and the brainchild of the Oxygen Accelerator, Mark Hales, developed the programme after reviewing the lack of business tools available for people who are keen to develop their ideas into concrete business plans with commercial sense for growth and investment.

Mark Hales, states:

It’s fundamental to build sustainable technology communities across the country, not just our capital city. Birmingham has a great deal to offer and the fact that there are so many successful business people both locally and from across the globe ready to get involved and help build the tech stars of the future, corroborates my vision that we need to extend beyond London.

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council and Chairman of Birmingham Science Park Aston, said:

Birmingham needs to build and grow a powerful community of successful entrepreneurs that have a vision for innovation. I believe the Oxygen Accelerator, with Birmingham Science Park Aston, will help produce viable businesses that can help expand our economy and create real job opportunities - not just locally, but potentially nationwide. It is a formidable opportunity. 

Hales adds,

Oxygen Accelerator will be the start of a great new wave of entrepreneurs drawn to Birmingham from the who will have access to all the tools necessary to be the next big thing.

We want to see people from all stages in their business development, from those with ideas to those who are ready to seek funding and want a supportive network to help them accelerate to the next level. Oxygen is here to literally breathe life into a vision and turn it into reality. Our aim is to bring the best to Birmingham and encourage them to stay.

Criteria for applying for Oxygen Accelerator is simple: founders of the company will be asked a series of questions relating to existing milestones, investment to date and revenue generation - basics that are usually part of a business plan. Accompanied with this should be a short video of the founding members as to why they should be selected to be part of the Top 10, which will give judges a good impression of what they are like as individuals. Judges will be looking for strength in idea, how much they think they’ll benefit from the programme, presentation and thinking as well as team dynamics.

Applications are open now and close on June 30th 2011. For more information on how to submit your proposal, or how to become a mentor and/or investor visit: http://oxygenaccelerator.com

For further information contact:

Jazz Gandhi: jazz@33Seconds.com or +44 7920 032 740

Alice Regester: alice@33seconds.com or +44 7758 834 646

Genting Casinos UK have given more detail of their plans to develop a new and exciting fully integrated leisure and entertainment complex at The NEC to be known as Resorts World at The NEC.

It will be developed if Genting are granted a large casino licence and planning permission by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. Genting Casinos UK are currently preparing a planning application for Resorts World to be submitted to Solihull Council in the early summer of 2011 if the casino licence is granted. It is anticipated that a decision on the large casino licence will be made in the late May of 2011.

Peter Brooks, Executive Deputy Chairman of Genting Casinos UK, presented the outline for the complex at a press briefing held this morning at The LG Arena as part of the company’s pre -planning consultation. Resorts World at The NEC, will be located between the LG Arena and the Crowne Plaza Hotel overlooking Pendigo Lake.

Paul Thandi, NEC Group chief executive, said: "This is one of the most exciting developments in the NEC’s history".

If the casino licence and planning permission are granted Resorts World at The NEC will contribute significantly to the tourism and business offer in Solihull and be a key driver to the NEC’s “Destination NEC” strategy  and a major impact on the future prosperity of Solihull in job creation and economic activity

Resorts World will provide a wide range of benefits to Solihull and The NEC.

• An investment in Solihull and the region of £120m
• Over 1100 full time equivalent jobs create
• 1750 full time equivalent years of employment in construction phase
• When operational will result in a significant contribution to the local economy  
• The complex will be approximately 50,000sq metres in floor space across seven floors
• The complex will consist of a hotel, spa, casino, conference and banqueting centre, multi screen cinema, outlet centre, food and beverage outlets and car parking for 300 vehicles
• It will support the continued prosperity and growth of The NEC
• Resorts World’s mix of uses enhances The NEC’s visitor experience and   will achieve a greater dwell time/extended stays and combined trips to The NEC, Solihull and the wider region
• It will support the attraction of new audiences drawn from the local, regional, national and international marketplace
• It will be environmentally sustainable with an aim to achieve a BREEAM excellent rating and Carbon Trust recognition  
• Resorts World will be a unique new offer that is distinct yet complementary to the existing attractions in Solihull Town Centre

Resorts World will be a major commitment and investment in Solihull and will be the largest development undertaken by the Genting Group in Europe.

The campus plans have been approved by Birmingham City Council and marks another boost for the region’s regeneration strategy. The state-of-the-art facility will be at Birmingham’s Eastside – an area potentially earmarked for “enterprise zone" status attracting future investment and job creation opportunities.

The City Centre Campus is a flagship project forming part of the University’s overall £180million investment plan to provide an exciting environment that features industry-standard facilities, pioneering learning applications and supports a dynamic exchange between vocationally-focused study and the workplace.

We are delighted that the city has backed our plans at Eastside because they signal a real commitment by Birmingham City University to create the best learning experience possible for our students

said Professor David Tidmarsh, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University.

That learning experience will create graduates with the confidence and skills needed by employers because we design courses to be relevant to the industries that support our regional and national economies. For example, this University is one the UK’s biggest providers of talent to the creative industries, an important driver of the West Midlands economy.

This City Centre Campus has been designed to provide a landmark building – one that will stand out as a learning facility that offers a first class student experience which in turn produces graduates with high levels of employability.

Professor Tidmarsh said the campus announcement coincides with Birmingham City University’s continued vision to engage with local employers to ensure courses are providing the skills urgently needed to support business growth.

The new 18,310 sq metre facility will be located on a plot adjacent to Millennium Point, providing a purpose-built home for the world-class provision already offered by the University’s Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD). The new centre of excellence will also feature a large ‘Media Hub’ including TV, radio and photographic studios that will underpin the University’s media production courses.

The landmark building echoes the University’s own rich architectural heritage – while looking to the future with the use of sustainable ‘green’ technology to generate up to 20 per cent of the building’s energy needs through renewable sources. The appointment of the main building contractor will be announced in July and work will start on the campus in autumn 2011 for occupation in September 2013. The five-storey building, adjacent to Cardigan Street, will reflect a number of styles – old and new.

Birmingham-based Associated Architects have designed the facility around the general principals of spatial efficiency, sustainability and functional suitability. It includes an open courtyard, a large atrium and an elevated bridge link into the University’s existing occupied areas of Millennium Point.

In acknowledgment of the area’s Victorian industrial heritage a blended mix of light and dark bricks will also be integrated in the building’s design to create a “polychromatic” texture to the building, which offers a range of tonal blends as visitors approach the campus.

The use of glazed elements will reflect the distinctive style of the adjacent glass-fronted Millennium Point. Looking to the future, the new building will incorporate a number of features to enhance the Universities environmental credentials, including:

• a biomass boiler, which burns wood chips from sustainable sources therefore significantly reducing the buildings reliance on fossil fuels
• photovoltaic panels, which are waterless solar panels that convert sunlight into a self generating energy source
• a ‘green and brown roof’ which will create a naturally biodiverse environment to provide a habitat for birds and insects

The new campus will have the benefit of being directly adjacent to Millennium Point, already home to the University’s Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment (TEE) and the Birmingham School of Acting. The new building will be linked by a double height connecting structure.

Students, staff and visitors to the new campus will benefit from nearby transport links, including the redeveloped New Street station and the proposed high speed rail link. The building, which will front the proposed scenic Eastside City Park, will also be used to exhibit public art displays.

Designed by Sidell Gibson, the distinctive 314,000-square-foot building is designed to be the ‘big sister’ to the adjacent One Snowhill office building (pictured right), which is mainly occupied by KPMG and Barclays. Two Snowhill will contain 305,000 square feet of office and 9,000 square feet of retail space. The law firm of Wragge & Co. has preleased 185,000 square feet of the office space.

Balfour Beatty has been hired as general contractor, and construction will start in May. Project completion is expected in early 2013. Two Snowhill is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating for sustainability.

Hines UK Director Anthony Leonard said,

We are looking forward to working with Ballymore as joint developers to complete Two Snowhill. We are optimistic about additional leasing prospects, as Two Snowhill will be of the highest quality and will be the first new office building to be delivered in central Birmingham for more than three years.

Ballymore’s Snowhill Project Director Richard Probert said,

Ballymore Group is delighted to have been able to reach an agreement with a partner that will enable us to deliver on our commitments. This is a great building, and the re-start on site next month will hopefully be a springboard both for the rest of the scheme and for a renaissance in the wider Birmingham office market.

The new development is Hines’ third project currently under construction in the UK and reinforces the firm’s commitment to quality development opportunities. It follows 280 High Holborn in London’s Midtown, where construction started earlier this year, and Cannon Place in the City, which will be finished this autumn.

Michael Topham, Executive Vice President and CEO, Hines Europe/MENA, said:

Snowhill is an important transaction for Hines and for the Hines European Development Fund II as funding source. It demonstrates our continuing appetite to undertake major development projects in Europe.

Debt funding for Two Snowhill is being provided by Deutsche Hypo - London Branch. Colliers International, Birmingham advised Hines while Savills advised Ballymore.

Using the region's science parks will be a key factor in creating jobs for the new Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership.

The LEP's new chairman Andy Street said it was important for all the West Midlands' LEPs to work together for the greater good of the region. Jerry Blackett, CEO of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce said:

Our ambitions to create jobs lie around R&D, the science agenda and centres such as Birmingham Science Park Aston. We will see collaboration across the LEP and one of traps we must not fall into is too much duplication of job creation. That's why these discussions are going between the eight science parks which are already talking about working together.

Mr Street, who is managing director of John Lewis, added:

Not every LEP can be an expert in every sector and I think we will see a lot of collaboration between them.

The pair were speaking at Mr Street's first official public event since being chosen as the LEP's new chairman, a role he formally commences on May 1.

The event at Villa Park, in Birmingham, saw around 200 people from public and private sector organisations with the LEP's patch gather to learn more about the body and the proposed city centre Enterprise Zone. The zones are intended to stimulate growth by offering incentives such as reduced business rates, which local authorities can keep for reinvestment, capital allowances and relaxed planning regulations.

Mr Blackett told delegates the proposed Birmingham city centre EZ, if approved by Government, would broadly encapsulate the same five areas earmarked in the Big City Plan for redevelopment – Eastside, New Street Station, Westside, Southern Gateway and Snow Hill – along with Birmingham Science Park Aston. He estimated the EZ would create around 50,000 new jobs and raise £700m for the region.

The Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP comprises nine local authority areas – Redditch, East Staffordshire, Lichfield, Tamworth, Bromsgrove, Cannock Chase, Wyre Forest, Birmingham and Solihull.

The LEP Board was recently announced, and comprises of:

• Chairman of the LEP board, Andy Street, Managing Director of John Lewis
• Deputy Chairman will be KPMG's Midlands chairman Steve Hollis
• Alan Voklaerts, Jaguar Land Rover (based at Solihull site)
• Rob Brown, managing director of Roger Bullivant
• Nick Bunker, president of Kraft Foods in the UK and Ireland
• Paul Heavan, owner of Blue Sky Corporate Finance
• David Kaye, managing director of National Express
• Professor David Eastwood, vice chancellor of the University of Birmingham

Nordic Capital Fund VII (Nordic Capital) has acquired The Binding Site Corporation Limited, a privately-owned specialist diagnostics company, from its founder, Jo Bradwell.

Binding Site, based in Edgbaston, to the west of Birmingham city centre, relocated to its current base in March 2011 and employs 380 staff at the site. It specialises in the research, development, manufacture and sale of innovative medical diagnostic products focused on Multiple Myeloma and other B-Cell dyscrasias and Primary Immunodeficiency (PID).

With extensive expertise in antibody specificity technology, Binding Site gives clinicians and laboratory staff tools to improve diagnosis and management of patients across a range of B-cell cancers and immune system disorders.

Following the acquisition by Nordic Capital, Binding Site will continue to build on its position as the world’s leading supplier of IVD assays for identifying and monitoring B-Cell dyscrasias and PID. This includes increasing market penetration of the Freelite™ and Hevylite™ assays across its core markets and developing agreements with leading distributors in fast growing regions such as Asia.

The Company is currently developing a third assay, Combylite, which recently presented studies suggest may have applications in non-monoclonal diseases, including chronic kidney disease and liver disease. It will also continue to invest in new assays for use on its SPAplus analyser, which continues to grow its presence in laboratories worldwide.

Jo Bradwell, Chairmanand founder of Binding Site, said:

With the help of a highly talented group of people here at Binding Site, as well as with our extensive links throughout the global medical community, we have built an excellent business. We have worked very hard to be the leaders in our chosen field, and in Nordic Capital I believe we have found a very supportive partner. I am highly confident that the Company will continue to develop and grow for long into the future.

Charles de Rohan, Chief Executive Officer of Binding Site, said:

Binding Site is a highly successful company built on first class, medically significant science which has developed world leading positions in important areas of diagnosis and disease monitoring. As we seek to continue our existing high levels of growth globally, we are fortunate to have found a partner of the calibre of Nordic Capital, which has a first rate record of investing in and supporting companies like ours.

We are confident that with this financial and strategic support, all of us in Binding Site can continue to deliver breakthrough products for the diagnosis and monitoring of complex diseases.

Kristoffer Melinder, Managing Partner NC Advisory AB, advisor to the Nordic Capital Funds, said:

Nordic Capital has followed the development of Binding Site for some time and has been impressed by the performance of the Company and the strength of its product portfolio. With the strategic and financial support of Nordic Capital, Binding Site can further strengthen its position as the world’s leading supplier of IVD assays for identifying and monitoring B-Cell dyscrasias and PID.

The Midlands is well-placed to benefit from a wave of inward investment backed by overseas companies bringing power generation solutions to the UK, according to inward investment experts at PwC in the Midlands.

A number of Coal-fired power stations are reaching the end of their life or require significant investment to upgrade emissions capture. Because of this, international power generation companies such as RWE, Eon and EDF are among those currently investing in new facilities in the region, which could be scaled up or developed over time.

The main focus of the investment to date has been in combined cycle gas turbine power generation plants such as Staythorpe or in upgrading emissions capture as at Ratcliffe-on-Soar, both located in the East Midlands.

Phil Harrold, partner and inward investment expert at PwC in the Midlands, says:

The Midlands has a number of coal-fired power stations which will need replacing or redeveloping over the next decade and overseas power generation companies are already showing interest in investing in this area. The investment opportunity in the region is really only just beginning and recent moves by the government to make the UK a more attractive place to do business have come at the right time.

The recent move to reduce the headline rate of corporation tax to 26%, with the intention of reducing it further to 23% - one of the lowest rates of all G20 countries – is also helping to position the UK as a more favourable destination for inward investment. The continuing weak pound and the introduction of some specific tax measures (making it easier for overseas businesses operating in the UK to manage their tax affairs) are adding to this positive effect.

Overseas businesses are likely to play an increasingly important part in the driving economic growth in the region and it is good to see that the Government is prepared to back this by doing what it can to create a favourable environment for inward investment

concludes Phil Harrold.

Almost a hundred first years from three IT-related courses experienced an ‘ASE’ (Accelerated Solutions Environment) in one of two full working days at the company's offices in Telford, in order to solve a real life business problem faced by Capgemini client Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

It was an opportunity for students to experience a corporate environment, work business hours and experience a real business challenge. It also supports Capgemini’s commitment to inspire students into work and build longstanding relationships with good, technically-minded universities.

Event co-sponsor Lance Doughty, a Capgemini VP and Executive Sponsor of Graduate Recruitment, outlined the importance of the potential in the link-up with Aston and the aims of the Capgemini Challenge Day.

We want to build mutual relationships with regional universities, to provide exposure to employers such as Capgemini and how we work,” said Lance. “But we also want to learn from universities and how they approach things; for example in research and development.

With this Challenge Day we wanted to provide Aston’s students a different type of learning experience – attacking a genuine business problem faced by our client HMRC – and in the process learn new skills they can take back to their courses.

As well as increasing the students’ business awareness, the Challenge Day will be assessed and form part of a first year module.  

Aston University lecturer and event co-sponsor David Evans played a key role in shaping the Challenge and was pleased with the end result and said it was ‘more than a success’.

The Capgemini Challenge Day is about three things,” said David. “Firstly, the relationship between Capgemini and the University through student engagement; secondly, giving the students a chance to problem solve in a unique way; and thirdly, giving students the chance to work in – and experience – a corporate environment.

It was good fun and shifted student expectations about what it’s like to work in somewhere like Capgemini.”

The ends of both days were met with student-crafted ‘poster parades’ to display responses to the question ‘How would HMRC engage better with citizens through the use of electronic channels?’ All of the posters have since been displayed on the campus.

Capgemini is one of a number of companies that currently supports the Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB) course that is offered at Aston University and endorsed by E-Skills

In Birmingham, more than 1.2 million sq ft is currently occupied by central Government departments, with a total civil service workforce of 9,330. Based on the Government’s current occupation rate of 1:14 sq m, this equates to around 1,405,994 sq ft/130,620 sq m. But with the planned cuts to public sector spending, this number could be significantly reduced, resulting in a reduction in occupancy levels.

In the 2011 Budget, the Office of Budget Responsibility estimated that there would be 320,000 fewer general government jobs by 2015. Birmingham City Council has already announced that it plans to cut 7,000 jobs in order to save £300 million from its spending over the next three years. 

Together with a move to be more efficient in the use of civil estate, including a target occupation rate of 1:10 sq m, and with greater control on lease commitments, demand from the public sector for office space is expected to fall sharply. 

Andrew Marston, UK regional research director at CBRE, said:

The public sector has played a key role in the UK’s regional office market during the last decade, and will continue to be an important occupier within the existing tenant mix of our cities. But with cuts in jobs, a moratoria on signing new leases and a drive for more efficient occupation, overall less space will be required.

Future demand will therefore have to emerge almost exclusively from the private sector, predominantly from the financial sector and business services. Employment forecasts suggest that both will begin to expand their workforces, and by 2013 onwards at rates that should more than counteract the expected cuts in public sector employment.

According to CBRE’s ‘Public Sector and UK Regional Office Markets Report’, which examines the structure of public sector employment across the country in relation to office occupation, there is an estimated 8.6 million sq ft of space occupied by the civil service across the nine key UK regional cities* it monitors. This accounts for almost nine per cent of total office stock. 

In 2010, leasing by the public sector declined across all cities, accounting for just eight per cent of total take-up and in most cities was more than two thirds below the average of the previous five years. In Birmingham, total office take-up from the public sector was 92,884 sq ft (13 per cent).

Ashley Hancox, the Birmingham-based head of regional offices at CBRE, believes the public sector could still have a part to play in the recovery of the office market.

Leases will expire and the opportunities to consolidate into more efficient buildings will arise,” he said.

The drive for greater efficiency will result in a continued flight to quality and a desire to occupy more modern accommodation and in some instances the public sector may continue to provide very modest demand for Grade A stock.

Furthermore, regional city locations will remain attractive on cost grounds, particularly as the gap widens between rents in central London and the regions.

What may be more of an issue for many cities will be the release of secondhand space back onto the market during a time when vacancy levels of lower quality stock are already at very high levels. In good locations this may provide development opportunities for new Grade A offices, although the ability to transform their buildings will be dependant on innovative refurbishment programmes to meet increasingly demanding sustainability targets from all sectors.

Civil Service leaders from across the UK met in Birmingham recently to discuss how they can work smarter to improve public services, despite the challenging financial times.

Representatives from Department for Work and Pensions, Birmingham City Council and Ministry of Justice were amongst 2000 delegates meeting at the first ever ‘Civil Service Live – The Midlands’ conference taking place on Friday 15th April at The International Convention Centre (ICC).

Speakers sharing their insight on the industry included Birmingham City Council’s Chief Executive, Stephen Hughes, who spoke about central and local government working in partnership, as well as: Ian Watmore, Chief Operating Officer, Cabinet Office; Sir Bob Kerslake, Permanent Secretary, Department for Communities and Local Government; Stephen Hillier, Director, Government Office for the East Midlands; Paula Vennells, Chief Executive, Post Office Limited; Sir Suma Chakrabarti, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice; and, Robert Devereux, Permanent Secretary, Department for Work and Pensions.

Kevin Sorkin, Managing Director, Civil Service World said:

Civil Service Live represents a tremendous opportunity for government, at a time when civil servants are facing the twin challenges of budget pressures and a drive for widespread reform. We’ve brought together speakers with a wealth of experience offering fresh ideas and expert advice on a range of issues. On top of this, the chance to meet old colleagues and make new partnerships will help to build the collaboration that is needed now more than ever if civil servants are to deliver improved services in demanding times.

We are delighted to be holding Civil Service Live in the International Convention Centre Birmingham. As the UK’s second city Birmingham was a natural choice to bring together civil servants from across the Midlands. Its central position, well-served by transport links, and the impressive ICC venue made it an ideal option.

Stephen Hughes, Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council also looked to drive the message home to Whitehall that the current austerity measures provide an opportunity for Government to look at long-term savings options, which could be delivered through relocating central departments to the regions, including Birmingham. 

Recently, he commented in an FT article on the subject saying:

Long-term savings like those delivered by moving parts of the public sector out of London and the south-east seem to be slipping from the agenda, even though it could be a great opportunity to deliver real and lasting reform.

Click here to read the article

Low cost airline, bmibaby, has announced further growth from East Midlands Airport and Birmingham Airport, with one additional aircraft at each base.  The low cost airline will offer two new routes from East Midlands Airport to Toulouse and Chambery for winter 2011.  More new routes for summer 2012 from Birmingham and East Midlands Airport will be announced soon.

Julian Carr, managing director, bmibaby, said:

We will increase the number of aircraft based at East Midlands and Birmingham Airport to offer even more routes and frequencies from the region, thus further strengthening our position in the Midlands.  We are proud to offer people even more choice and flexibility plus great service and low fares.

In the current economic climate it is essential for bmibaby to focus on airports where the airline already has a strong market presence and where there are strong growth opportunities for the bmibaby business.  Therefore bmibaby has optimised their current flying programme and as a result of this bmibaby will cease operations from Cardiff Airport and from Manchester Airport at the end of the summer 2011 flying programme.

Marketing Birmingham, the city’s public/private sector strategic marketing partnership, has strengthened its Board with the appointment of two high profile experts in health and academia – as it develops Business Birmingham, the city’s newly launched inward investment programme. Julie Moore, Chief Executive of University Hospital Birmingham and Professor David Eastwood, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, will help to raise the city’s international reputation as a centre of innovation for health, research and technology.

Healthcare along with the technology and research led sectors of low carbon R&D, transport technologies and digital media were identified as areas of strength and opportunity for the city by global location specialists, IBM-PLI, and are target sectors for Business Birmingham. 

As Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham Professor Eastwood heads up an organisation with 6000 staff, 28,000 students and has a turnover of £460 million. The University contributes more than £800 million to the West Midlands region. As Vice-Chancellor Professor Eastwood is leading major projects to develop the distinctive, high quality student experience at Birmingham and to enhance further the University’s research power. Over the next decade the University will invest over half a billion pounds in new campus developments  in addition it will be opening new centres in key locations such as Guangzhou, Chicago as well as India and Latin America.

Professor Eastwood said: 

The University sector has a hugely important role to play in generating new knowledge and ideas that can benefit the city.  We operate in an environment where the city and the University need to promote themselves internationally and to establish global partnerships.  I look forward to working with Business Birmingham in developing international activity and building Birmingham’s reputation as a leading destination for investment in new ideas and technologies.

Professor Eastwood is joined by Chief Executive of University Hospital Birmingham (UHB), Julie Moore.

As Chief Executive of University Hospital Birmingham (UHB), Julie Moore leads an internationally renowned hospital with a £520 million turnover that treats 700,000 patients annually, including all military casualties brought back to UK – a highly acclaimed care service. Under her leadership, the hospital opened a £545 million new PFI hospital building on time and on budget last year. UHB is also host to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine and the Birmingham Clinical Research Academy. In 2011, the National Institute of Health Research Centre for Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology was opened at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. 

Julie Moore is at the cutting edge of healthcare innovation and management and well placed to help Marketing Birmingham showcase this sector strength internationally:

The unique environment Birmingham offers to develop and implement bench to bedside translational research is being recognised not only regionally but nationally and internationally. Birmingham has the ideal infrastructure to deliver  academic, business and clinical excellence that will not only improve quality outcomes for patients, but will help attract investors and drive economic growth and jobs creation in the city and wider region.

Marketing Birmingham is working to align the promotional activities of its visitor economy and inward investment programmes, nationally and internationally, with that of the city’s leading institutions and businesses. Chairman Paul Kehoe believes this joined-up approach will help to raise Birmingham’s global visibility and reputation as a place to live, work and do business.

Paul Kehoe, Chairman of Marketing Birmingham said:

I’m delighted that David and Julie are joining the board.  With these appointments we are building on our work to align the city’s promotion to global audiences, strengthening the message that the city is a hub of cutting edge innovation, expertise and business opportunity as well as being a good place to live and work. The city’s public and private sector is now working more closely together to ensure the Birmingham message comes across loud and clear.

Both University Hospital Birmingham and the University of Birmingham have international reputations and programmes that see them fly the flag for the city across the world. By aligning this work with our international investment drive we are leveraging existing activity and ensuring that clarity of message.

Julie Moore and Professor David Eastwood will attend the next Marketing Birmingham Board meeting on 20th April.

Andy Street, who is managing director of retail giant John Lewis, will be talking about progress made by the LEP to an audience of partners and stakeholders at an event at Villa Park, on Thursday 21 April. Mr Street – who officially takes over as LEP chair on 1 May 2011 – will be joined at the event by members of the organisation’s board, and interim chair Bridget Blow.

Bridget Blow said:

We’re delighted Andy is joining us at this event, during which we will be outlining the progress we have made in establishing the LEP, and also what else has been achieved to date.Andy, who hails from the Midlands, will underline his commitment to developing our plans for continuing the economic rejuvenation of the region.

The Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP is one of the largest nationally, comprising nine local authorities – Birmingham, Solihull, Cannock, East Staffordshire, Lichfield, Tamworth, Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest.

The organisation was recently chosen by Government to develop one of a number of Enterprise Zones being established in the UK, although the zone's location has yet to be announced by the LEP board.

The event on 21 April will be held in the 1874 Suite in Villa’s Trinity Road stand. Places can be booked by contacting events@birmingham-chamber.com. Businesses are limited to a maximum of two delegates each.

The supplement called out to partners from around the West Midlands and was inundated with information on the latest research and development defining the region’s sustainable, high tech future.

The feature focuses on three key sectors; digital media, innovative healthcare and low carbon with a wide range of public and private sector companies contributing.  Included is Birmingham-based digital company, Substrakt, which talks about the city's offering for start up businesses.

Birmingham has been an ideal environment to develop a digital media and design business. There’s a real sense of community among the city’s creative industry. We’ve developed as the area has regenerated.’’

(Guardian, 6 April 2011)

The region's expertise in pioneering cancer treatments is also explored, with a spotlight focus on one of the largest biotechnology companies in the region, the Binding Site, as well as a look at the groundbreaking work taking place in children’s clinical trials.

Dr Pam Kearns, Deputy Director for paediatric trials within the Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit said:

The children benefit from all the expertise here, from the statisticians who produce reports right through to those who work on regulatory requirements.  Birmingham has an incredible ethos of collaboration and that is why it has been successful. The people within the unit are all willing to collaborate and support each other and this means that you get added value out of every project from the science right through to the clinical trials.

(Guardian, 6 April 2011)

From a low carbon perspective, Aston University discusses the extensive research being facilitated into clean, alternative energy production at the European Bionenergy Research Institute with comment from Vice Chancellor, Professor Julia King

We have both depth and breadth of expertise in low-carbon technologies in West Midland universities and businesses. I am confident that the application of our research will have a major, positive impact on the reduction of carbon emissions and the growth of the regional and national economy.

(Guardian, 6 April 2011)

To read the full supplement, please visit the Birmingham Science City website here

• New branch location offers essential home banking services
• Local businesses set to benefit from foreign currency exchange services

ICICI Bank UK PLC has unveiled its new base in Birmingham at an opening ceremony attending by Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, C Gururaj Rao, Consul General of India, and Shantose Kaur, President of Institute of Asian Business.  The event marks the re-location of ICICI Bank’s Birmingham branch to the heartland of the local Indian community. The decision to re-locate was a strategic one, made by ICICI Bank in recognition of the large number of Indian account holders it serves through the branch.

The financial services industry in the UK has witnessed a plethora of product markets around migrant needs, such as home-country banking, remittances, and currency conversion. ICICI Bank UK Plc offers both UK and India banking services and enjoys a leadership position in the "UK to India" personal remittances market. The product suite at its new Birmingham base consists of transaction accounts, savings solutions and a multi-channel remittance proposition backed up by a service assurance.

In addition to its remittance and local banking proposition, the new base on Soho Road will offer ICICI’s portfolio of business banking services, including a dedicated relationship manager, multi-currency accounts and international money transfers. ICICI Bank also hosts a real-time platform for online foreign currency exchange, FXOnline – offering competitive rates and a secure network.

Over 40,000 jobs will be created or safeguarded in the West Midlands under Government plans announced by the Deputy Prime Minister to invest £450m in businesses across England.

Automotive manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of Birmingham City Council, are the some of the local recipients of the first round of the Regional Growth Fund (RGF).  The bid by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce will see £15.7 million put towards upgrading the A45 around Birmingham Airport, improving the infrastructure for the proposed runway extension, which will open up the city to direct flights to the US west coast and the Chinese east coast.

Leader of Birmingham City Council Mike Whitby said:

The £15.7 million announced for the upgrading of the A45 will bring significant transportation and economic benefits to the region and will also remove the constraint the current road alignment has on the proposed runway extension.

Nationally, 50 bids by companies and partnerships who demonstrated how they would create jobs and a high level of private sector-led sustainable economic growth in their local communities over the coming years were successful.  Other successful schemes in the West Midlands were Alstom Grid UK, Bosch Thermotechnology and Prince’s Regeneration Trust.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:

I am delighted to announce the first successful bids for the Regional Growth Fund. I was bowled over by the quality of the bids. This money will now help create and safeguard jobs in some of the communities worst hit by the economic downturn.

Today is a step towards rebalancing our economy away from an unhealthy overreliance on a small number of industries and a few areas. We need to spread opportunity across the whole country, drawing on our many talents. I know that with the right support these businesses can work with their communities and together play their part in leading the country back into prosperity.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said:

Supporting job creation in the regions is vital if we are to drive growth in our local communities.

We have received a large number of ambitious and highly competitive bids to this first round of the Regional Growth Fund, which will help a number of businesses across the country to expand and create thousands of new jobs.

The Regional Growth Fund is a competitive fund and we wanted to see proposals that created jobs in the private sector, in areas of deprivation and that is at risk of suffering from public sector cuts. I’m confident that the successful bids we have chosen will deliver on this.

Marketing Birmingham, the city’s public/private sector strategic marketing partnership, has taken over the West Midlands Regional Observatory.

Following an open bidding process, Marketing Birmingham was selected as the preferred bidder and has now completed the transfer of the organisation and its assets. The Observatory’s existing reports and other data can now be accessed through Marketing Birmingham.

The Observatory will help Marketing Birmingham’s inward investment programme, Business Birmingham, provide potential investors with the information they need to consider the region as an investment location. It will also inform Marketing Birmingham’s leisure and business tourism campaigns.

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham, said:

The information that the Observatory provides on the region’s economic performance and potential is vital and helps to inform business and policy decisions in the region. It is important that this valuable asset is retained and used to encourage growth.

We will be aligning the Observatory’s research activity with our work to attract visitors, investment and jobs to the area.

Mirroring Marketing Birmingham’s work with commercial partners, there will be opportunities for the private sector to work with the Observatory team to develop bespoke research projects. Rami continued:

Working with our own partners from across the visitor economy and wider business community, we believe there is an opportunity for distinct projects aimed at understanding the unique nature of the city’s offer as both a tourist and business destination. In such a fast changing economic environment, this level of up-to-date data is essential in ensuring our communications and service, as an organisation and as a city, remains focused, current and competitive.

Mark Pearce, Corporate Director for Economic Regeneration at Advantage West Midlands said:

We believe that this transfer ensures that there will be a genuine legacy for the excellent and well-received work that the West Midlands Regional Observatory have undertaken in the West Midlands over a number of years.

Marketing Birmingham will shortly begin a recruitment process to build the Observatory team and ensure sectoral knowledge and expertise in areas targeted by Business Birmingham’s investment drive.

The Club & Spa at The Cube will feature technologically advanced fitness equipment, a climbing wall over two floors and an exclusive canalside members lounge. Other top of the range facilities include a Kelo sauna, crafted from 100 year-old wood and usually unique to Finnish Lapland, amongst an array of other thermal experiences.

The Spa will feature an advanced inhalation room – one of only four in the UK. This new heat treatment is particularly effective for those suffering from breathing difficulties such as asthma. It will also include a dry flotation bed aromatised by fresh herbs, award winning Pevonia products, couples suite with hot tub and relaxation area and the latest trend for pedicures with a difference – Garra Rufa fish.

Sanguine Hospitality Ltd has appointed general manager Richard Dakin and spa manager Nicola Williams ahead of the Club & Spa’s launch in September, part of a £13m development consisting of a boutique four star Hotel Indigo and Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill.

Richard, previously manager of the award-winning Club & Spa at Doubletree by Hilton, Bristol, also owned by Sanguine, said:

The Club & Spa at The Cube is about the entire leisure experience. Our existing clubs have been recognised and awarded by the industry for their innovative approach and exceptional service, The Cube will be no different, bringing something completely unique to Birmingham, if not the UK.

The luxury Club & Spa will be the definition of urban chic and include, amongst other facilities, an indoor hydrotherapy pool, steam and heat experience rooms, Rasul mud room and state-of-the art fitness facilities.

We will welcome general members and those staying at Hotel Indigo will be given complimentary access to a selection of facilities. It will become a destination that is the pinnacle of luxury in Birmingham city centre.

Nicola, who joins Sanguine after eight years at Malmaison Birmingham, said:

The Spa at The Cube will offer unique facilities that will excite visitors and members. Having worked in the leisure industry in the city for eight years, I look forward to developing the Spa from before it has even opened its doors into a pampering and tranquil experience that spa goers and members will enjoy.

As well as the fit out of the Club & Spa, work started on site earlier this month (March) on the 1,319m2 skyline restaurant, situated on the 25th floor, and the development of the 52-bedroom hotel on levels 23 and 24.

For more information visit www.hotelbirminghamthecube.co.uk.

BSEEN, a collaboration between Aston University, Birmingham City University and University of Birmingham, and funded by Birmingham City Council’s Working Neighbourhoods Fund, was found to have helped meet key regional economic imperatives of retaining graduates in the region, increasing skill level of the workforce and increasing innovation and enterprise across the region.

The findings of the assessment, undertaken by Renew Consulting, were made public at a dissemination event held recently at Birmingham Council House.

Deborah de Haes from Renew Consulting commented:

BSEEN demonstrated good value for money for the investment of public funds, supporting 90 businesses and helped to create at least 30 new businesses.

As well as these quantifiable outputs, it was also clear that the programme helped accelerate and embed culture change at the partner universities towards understanding the importance of enterprise and innovation as key elements, not only of business start-ups but also of employability. There appears to be a real and growing awareness among students that setting up their own business is a genuine career option.

The 17-month project is due to come to an end, but because of its success, the universities are keen to ensure BSEEN continues whilst alternative funding applications are submitted and processed.

Professor Helen Higson, Senior Pro-Vice Chancellor at Aston University, said:

New businesses, whether ‘life-style’ businesses or growth businesses employing others and generating wealth, all contribute to some degree to the regional economy. Even when graduates decide not to continue with their own businesses but to seek employment, they take with them invaluable skills of self-confidence, enterprise and innovation to their new employer, a further long-term benefit to the economy. Before this programme there was a real gap in provision to support graduates who wanted to take an entrepreneurial career path. We’re therefore extremely keen that the programme should be sustained, whether through new public funding or through private or community sector funding.

For further information about the work BSEEN has carried out, please contact Professor Higson on h.e.higson@aston.ac.uk.

Four lucky students have been involved in an Apprenticeship Programme with leading Birmingham venues The NIA and The NEC for the past six months – helping to prepare the stage for the likes of JLS and Sports Personality of the Year.

The NEC Group invests approximately £1000 in training per apprentice and provides students with the skills and experience necessary to attain their National Rigging Certificate. The students also work with lighting and sound specialists to build sets weighing up to 68 tonnes in a single day.

Paul Rowlands, Rigging Manager at The NIA, is a keen supporter of the Apprenticeship Scheme and approached South Birmingham College last year to offer work placements to youngsters studying rigging:

The apprentices are learning the theory of rigging, lighting and sound and how it all fits together along with the practical skills of the job. This is complemented by what they learn at College to make them ready for the workplace.

Paul believes brining Apprentices into a working arena also benefits the employer:

The existing rigging team has been a tremendous support and while helping to develop the apprentices - they are also developing. Our employees have become teachers, trainers and mentors while passing on their passion for the job.

Matt Evans is one of the Apprentice Riggers involved in the scheme. He works at the NEC alongside his studies at South Birmingham College:

I came in from a theatre background but knowing very little about rigging. The advantage of having an apprentice is that the company can mould what they need for specific jobs. I love working with lighting and audio, especially learning how things fit together. This apprenticeship is giving me a fantastic start into a career in the industry.

The NEC is particularly pleased to support the Apprenticeship Scheme as it ensures there’s a constant stream of potential employees ready to ‘hit the ground running’:

Billy Songh, Technical Operations Manager at The NEC said:

We were faced with a possible shortage in the industry with a number of staff approaching retirement age. With the help of the City Council and South Birmingham College we are bringing fresh blood into the industry.

Working alongside the College we recruited and selected really good candidates who brought a fresh approach and demonstrated qualities and values we were looking for in new team members. I would definitely recommend hiring Apprentices to other employers as they bring value to your business and you get the satisfaction of seeing them grow and develop in the role.

South Birmingham College offers a wide variety of Apprenticeship Schemes including Business Administration, Childcare, Customer Service, Construction Trades, Electro Technical, Food and Beverage, Health and Social Care, IT and Telecoms, Management, Security Services, and Warehousing.

For more information on Apprenticeships at South Birmingham College please contact our Business Services Team on 0800 731 3467 or visit the website www.sbc.ac.uk.

The former Director General of the CBI will be addressing leaders and academics within the plant and equipment business sector.

The Plant and Equipment Management Innovation Conference (PEMIC-11), which is being held at Birmingham City University, is an annual event to celebrate, promote and showcase industrial innovation within the sector. The conference is also host to the Off-highway Plant and Equipment Research Centre (OPERC) International Awards for Excellence.

These honours are given to celebrate outstanding contributions made by professionals throughout the sector in recognition of particular industrial, professional or scientific endeavour. Additional awards are also made to leading academics who have consistently demonstrated sustained leadership and research output of international standing.

The annual PEMIC conference is organised by Professor David Edwards and Professor Gary Holt from The Centre for Business Innovation and Enterprise (CBIE), which is based within Birmingham City Business School, in partnership with OPERC.

Professor David Edwards, who is Director of CBIE said:

We are absolutely delighted that Lord Jones will be speaking at this year’s prestigious Plant and Equipment Management Innovation Conference (PEMIC-11) event. As a highly successful business adviser, and originating from the West Midlands, he was an ideal choice as our keynote speaker and we are confident that conference delegates will find his respected views and opinions enlightening and informative, and his renowned banter entertaining.

Last year's event, PEMIC-10, was also held at the University and proved to be a great success - this year we're expecting it to be even bigger and better given the support of an impressive list of industrial sponsors which spans across industrial sectors within this country and abroad.

The conference will take place on Wednesday 16 November at the University’s City North campus in Perry Barr. Further details about the event can be found at www.operc.com/pemic.

The lab, based at the University of Birmingham’s School of Mechanical Engineering, will focus on the combustion of alternative fuels, as well as petrol and diesel, with the aim of reducing harmful vehicle exhaust emissions.

The Future Power Systems Group at the University of Birmingham already work closely with car and engine manufacturers including Jaguar Land Rover, Ford, Shell Global Solutions, Green Fuel and Johnson Matthey.

Professor Miroslaw Wyszynski, lead investigator from the University’s School of Mechanical Engineering, said:

In our new laboratory we will be able to test different combinations of petrol and diesel as well as alternative fuels such as ethanol, tallow, various oil and tallow esters, DMF (2,5 dimethyl furan) and synthetic diesel, and gain a full picture of what is happening in an engine. This will help us to do more research into making engines cleaner and more efficient.

We will also be able to research the most efficient modes of emissions after treatment aided by hydrogen from on-board fuel reforming.

The facility, based at the University of Birmingham’s School of Mechanical Engineering, includes a cold climate engine and powertrain test facility and a sophisticated clean combustion and alternative fuels research laboratory.

The facilities and equipment for this research have been funded by the Science City Research Alliance (SCRA) Energy Efficiency Project.

The Energy Efficiency Project is part of a larger investment by Advantage West Midlands and ERDF in the research infrastructure of the West Midlands region, which unites the University of Birmingham and the University of Warwick in a strategic partnership – SCRA – formed under the Birmingham Science City initiative.

The business advisory firm is creating 100 A level entry roles across the UK as part of its BrightStart scheme.

BrightStart will give high achieving school leavers the opportunity to join the firm in September 2011. It offers an alternative career to students for whom university may not be the desired choice or an available option.

As well as a career with one of the world’s leading business advisory firms, the 100 students will gain a full professional business qualification.

Deloitte has launched BrightStart across the UK, with an event held in Birmingham, at the firm’s office in Brindleyplace, for local schools and sixth form colleges to find out more about the scheme. Of the 100 places, eight will be available in Birmingham.

Chris Loughran, Midlands practice senior partner at Deloitte, said:

Not all students want, or are able, to go to university, but that shouldn’t exclude them from having equally attractive career opportunities. Talent is the lifeblood of a business like ours and it is crucial that we do all we can to ensure that talented young people with the ability to learn and develop can find their way into Deloitte, whatever their background. As a business, we want to be as inclusive as possible.

BrightStart builds upon a successful programme under which some of Deloitte’s regional offices have hired a small number of school leavers in recent years.

The firm is expanding its support for future graduates by increasing the number of Summer Vacation Scheme places to 160 in 2011, up from 130 in 2010, and will increase this further in 2012 with a target of 240. The internship programme offers students going into their final year of university seven weeks of paid work experience in Deloitte’s Audit, Tax or Consulting business areas.

Deloitte is also building on the success of its scholarship programme and industrial placement programme, increasing them to 50 places, up from 41 in 2010. In addition, Deloitte will be hiring more than 1,100 graduates across the firm in 2011.

Mr Loughran said:

Scholarship schemes and internships can play a huge role in identifying and fostering talent at an earlier stage and it’s important that these places are awarded to students on merit. We are working hard to ensure that students from a wide range of schools and universities have the opportunity to take advantage of our schemes.

We have a major role to play in championing greater social mobility. We are making strenuous efforts, driven not only by a sense of responsibility, but also by the huge incentive for us of accessing the very best talent.

To find out more about Deloitte’s BrightStart scheme go to www.deloitte.co.uk/graduates/brightstart

From left to right: Chris Loughran, Frances McGarry, headteacher at St Peter’s Catholic School in Solihull, and Jonathan Dodworth from Deloitte at the launch of the BrightStart scheme.

Business Birmingham will be networking with shared service industry representatives at the 11th Annual European Shared Services & Outsourcing Week 2011, taking place 9-11 May 2011 in Amsterdam.

This event is the industry’s number one gateway for sharing knowledge and networking within the shared services industry.

The SSO Week offers Business Birmingham the opportunity to meet and network with the very best thought leaders, practitioners, providers and advisors and connect with over 800 senior level industry decision makers from across the globe.

Get in touch

Investment Manager Sarah Darch will be attending the Shared Services & Outsourcing Week in Amsterdam this May, and will be meeting with industry representatives putting forward its case for why the city can offer a unique proposition to investors in the sector. If you are a delegate at the SS&O Week or would like to speak with Sarah on a specific SSC inquiry, please contact her via email: sarah.darch@marketingbirmingham.com.

Network

Recognising its unique offer, Birmingham is now cultivating a strong support network within the region’s shared services sector, designed to further develop the skills, technology and knowledge sharing of local industry experts.

Business Birmingham recently launched a Shared Services Networking Forum for the Midlands, acknowledging the importance of a local network of experts on hand to support a company looking to locate a SSC to a new city. The Forum, which includes representatives from international companies with local SSCs including Lafarge, Deutsche Bank and Adecco, provides strategic advice on issues such as human resources, employee relocation, sector data as well as providing an essential platform for local knowledge sharing and networking.

If you would like to learn more about locating a SSC in Birmingham, or already work within the local industry, Business Birmingham is keen to speak with you. The Shared Services Networking Forum will continue to meet in 2011. If you are interested in joining, please contact us.

For more information on Birmingham’s Shared Service Sector please visit http://businessbirmingham.com/sectors/ssc-bpo.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

The man selling a city to the world - Birmingham Post

Wouter Schuitemaker may not be a name that easily trips off the tongue but it is a name that we are likely to be hearing a fair bit of in the future.

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New map offers clue to recovery in office market - Birmingham Post

The Birmingham Office Market Forum has launched its fourth map detailing the city’s commercial office market with a pledge to work more closely with the work of Business Birmingham.

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Willmott Dixon - strength through diversifiaction - Birmingham Post

Peter Owen, MD for Willmott Dixon in the Midlands, discusses why contractors have to be adaptable in times of economic uncertainty and why Willmott Dixon has refined its core strategy(...) When assessing the future you only have to look at the support that is being offered for Marketing Birmingham; we wholeheartedly support and share the vision of Business Birmingham, Marketing Birmingham’s inward investment programme and expect to play a big part in the city’s future success.

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Firms swarm around top graduates at competition - Birmingham Post

Twenty-nine of the city’s brightest creative industries graduates have been cherry-picked for work placements by top firms as part of the B-Hive 2011 competition.

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2 University of Birmingham students win B-Hive awards - Redbrick

Last Wednesday the B-Hive 2011 Awards Evening took place in the Zellig building in Digbeth. Shortlisted students, judges and supporters watched on as 29 winners – including two University of Birmingham students – were awarded with paid work experience placements in creative industries.

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B-Hive competition hails next generation of mad men - Grit

29 creative industry placements have been awarded to top entrants in each of the five categories (marketing, PR, advertising, graphic design and web design) who created a buzz with their imaginative pitches.

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2011 B-Hive winners announced-The Drum (web)

The winners of this year’s B-Hive competition have been announced, offering the winners paid work experience placements across some of Birmingham’s best known creative agencies.

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Aston research shows that just seven per cent of UK businesses are classed as high-growth in the 2007-10 period, yet they are responsible for creating over half of all new jobs.

The funding from the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA), will enable Professor Hart and his seven-strong team in the Economics and Strategy Group at Aston to better understand why HGFs: (1) are more resilient than non-high growth businesses and have markedly less insolvency rates (2) are more likely to increase sales and employment (3) why the share they had of the market remains same during the recessionary period, and (4) why they remain the most important source of job creation.

Professor Hart’s latest findings, which are part of a new NESTA report, ‘Vital growth: the importance of HGFs to the recovery’, argues that because of their crucial role in creating jobs and their resilience during tough economic times, there is a need to understand more clearly the factors driving growth in these firms.

Leading researcher Professor Hart said:

I am grateful to NESTA for giving Aston Business School the opportunity to expand on our previous research into high-growth firms. We need to understand precisely their contribution to the UK economy

The new research will focus on the following five strands: (1) Characteristics of UK HGFs (2) Financing of UK HGFs (3) HGFs in the innovation eco-system (4) Examining the relationship between firm dynamics and productivity growth (5) Identification of UK HGFs during the recession.

Stian Westlake, Director of Policy and Research at NESTA, said:

The team at Aston has played a vital role in helping us understand where growth will come from in the future, something that is of critical importance to business leaders and policymakers alike. We look forward to working with Aston’s highly experienced team to learn more about the characteristics of these crucial businesses.

Separately, Professor Hart and his colleagues have been working on other research around HGFs, commissioned by Birmingham City Council, UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES).

In addition, Professor Hart has been working with the Enterprise Directorate of the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) to use his research to inform their metrics on the Bigger, Better Business strategy which was launched in January 2011.

To view the report in full please click here: www.nesta.org.uk

Members of the Birmingham Office Market Forum (BOMF) have marked the launch of the fourth office space map at a networking breakfast event at the city’s Opus restaurant, with key speaker Neil Rami, chief executive of Marketing Birmingham.

The map, which is part of an ongoing initiative by BOMF, provides an essential update on office market activity that has taken place throughout the previous year, as well as giving an overview of the range and quality of Birmingham’s office stock.

Bringing together some of the key business and property players from across Birmingham, the networking event also saw members welcoming Jan Thompson to the position of new chairman of the Forum.

Jan is head of Jones Lang LaSalle’s Birmingham office and as a Director of their Corporate Solutions team is active in the Birmingham office market. He has been appointed following the chairmanship of Philippa Pickavance, head of Agency Midlands at Drivers Jonas Deloitte, Birmingham, who has held the position for the last two years.

Pickavance highlighted some of the aims of the group. She said:

I am delighted that the Forum have joined Marketing Birmingham as an Associate Member this year so we can move forwards with them to provide consistent property detail and wider assistance for relocating companies. We have long wanted the City to have one Business voice and working with Business Birmingham has moved us closer to achieving that aim.

Commenting on his appointment, Jan said:

I would like to thank Philippa for the great work that she has undertaken and the strong foundation that has been laid over what have been two extremely challenging years. Throughout the last year we have seen the beginnings of a recovery in the Birmingham office market, set against a backdrop that has seen many cities, including Birmingham report a sharp drop-off in rents. 

Much of this is a testament to the city’s outstanding level of high-quality and diverse office stock which includes iconic developments such as The Cube, Baskerville House and One Snowhill. There are also a number of extremely exciting developments already in the pipeline, including Two Snowhill, and I am looking forward to seeing them come to fruition and further enhance the city’s reputation as a centre for outstanding office property.

Major office completions in 2010 included The Cube (pictured right), with 68,150 sq ft remaining to let, Zellig, with 36,000 sq ft remaining to let and 40 St Paul’s Square, which has 10,418 sq ft remaining to be let. Throughout 2010 deals were completed totalling over 668,000 sq ft of office space.

The year ahead will see limited new build due to the economic climate, but work is expected to be completed on Two Snowhill, where 70,000 sq ft is still available, in late 2012 or early 2013.

Neil Rami, chief executive of Marketing Birmingham, which manages Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme, talked about its success since launching in October last year. He said:

Business Birmingham has been working to raise the city’s international visibility and promote an understanding of its sectoral strengths, market and opportunities with potential investors globally over the last 6 months.

Over the coming months our investment programme will promote the city’s unique proposition and work with the business community to develop the support services needed to help investors quickly locate and grow here.

Working with UKTI as well as sales agents and intermediaries across global markets, we will build investor recognition of Birmingham as a place to do business and ensure the city is on the location lists of those looking for a European hub.

Formed in 2007, the Birmingham Office Marketing Forum works in conjunction with the CoStar Group, who sponsored the networking event, the leading provider of information services to commercial real estate professionals, provides a platform for members to share insights and provide an agreed analysis of statistics relating to the city centre office market.

Set within its unique parkland setting, GHA’s long-awaited redevelopment of the famous facilities will showcase a state-of-the-art, sunken centre court with a 1000 permanent seat capacity, increasing to 2500 seats during major competitions. On completion, the Edgbaston Priory Club will be able to stage Championship-scale tournaments, a stone’s throw from the heart of Birmingham. The sunken design of the new centre court takes advantage of the club’s beautiful grounds, maintaining open views across the landscape.

In addition to the centre court, a new six-court indoor tennis centre will be built, creating an all year round tennis facility available for the use of both professionals and amateurs alike.

This new indoor tennis centre has been designed with emphasis on natural daylight; the front elevation, glazed at low level, creates an active inside-outside relationship while the higher level translucent glazing, along with translucent rooflights, helps diffused natural daylight penetrate into the heart of the building, reducing energy consumption levels.

Furthering the redevelopment’s eco-credentials, the external cladding will be made of a robust composite timber panel system, manufactured from recycled materials. As part of the improvements, the existing Clubhouse will be extensively re-modelled and refurbished, creating improved leisure facilities.

The highlight will be the new second floor gym and studio with access to roof terraces and views across the site. All facilities will be updated for disabled access.

The LTA, the national governing body for tennis in Britain, has committed £5m to ensure the development of the six indoor courts, as well as securing a long term world class tournament set up to stage grass court events.

Glenn Howells commented on the scheme stating;

The investment in the redevelopment of Edgbaston Priory Club will significantly improve community access to tennis across Birmingham and the wider Midlands area. This year will see the 30th anniversary of the WTA event, the AEGON Classic, and the plans for a new Centre Court and show courts will ensure the event continues to go from strength to strength.

In order to cause minimal disruption during the building works, which are due to commence later this year, construction will be phased over a staggered period of time.

The findings are based on 91 interviews which were conducted with companies across professional services, manufacturing, construction, distribution and other sectors by the Murray Consultancy over the last few weeks.

Respondents who said their profitability had deteriorated (26.4 per cent) cited as reasons government spending cuts, a drop in demand and customer cost cutting. One in three also mentioned an increase in their own cost base.

However, across all respondents 56 per cent said that the public sector cuts had not impacted upon their business. Perhaps surprisingly only 44 per cent of construction firms said they had been affected by public sector cuts.

Turning to the thorny issue of bank finance, 22 per cent of respondents said they had found their bank inaccessible upon being approached to support their business financially. But around 50 per cent said they had found their banks accessible.

Looking at opportunities and barriers to growing their business, two in three businesses saw increasing their client bases as an opportunity for the future whilst over half saw an increase in sales and exports as crucial. The major threats to growth over the next year are perceived as the recession and a lack of confidence whilst an increase in costs and government cutbacks also featured highly.

Business respondents were asked what one thing could make their business more profitable. More sales was, as might be expected, the top answer but in second place was a decrease in fuel taxes.

Raising the profile of Birmingham as a location for digital companies, specifically those in the mobile technology industry, Business Birmingham Investment Manager Sarah Darch spoke with businesses at the 2011 GSMA Mobile World Congress.

Held in Barcelona, the event attracted more than 60,000 visitors from over 200 countries. Delegates represented global mobile operators, software companies, equipment providers and businesses keen to learn more about mobile technology opportunities.

Darch (pictured right) believes Birmingham presents an opportunity for companies searching for a UK base:

The Congress allowed Business Birmingham to speak with small to medium mobile technology enterprises from Germany, France, Belgium, Spain, Singapore, Sweden, Canada and Greece that are looking to expand their operations into the UK.

Birmingham is an attractive option for digital start-up companies – it has 12,500 digital and creative companies, an increase of 30% since 2005, so there is certainly a lot of support from a skills, network and financial structure that encourages strong growth.

A concept that has been particularly popular with the companies I have spoken to is the opportunity to link up with specialist R&D centres within the city’s universities such as the Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme at Aston University, which allows companies to tap into the academic expertise available.

Birmingham’s drive to be a leading European digital centre was been boosted this month with the launch of a joint venture opportunity for a £35m Digital Plaza in the city’s Eastside quarter. Plans for a new digital hub in the city, unveiled by Birmingham Science Park Aston (BSPA) at MIPIM, aim to attract a new generation of hi-tech companies.

The plans are in response to the Park’s success in attracting a thriving mix of tenants in its existing units, which strongly advocate that businesses can grow more effectively when working from a specialist hub environment.

The Park, which is undergoing the first ever English trial of 4G technology by UK Broadband, houses acclaimed start-up companies in the mobile technology sector. For more information on the developing sectors in Birmingham visit http://businessbirmingham.com/sectors/developing-sectors.

To discuss opportunities for mobile technology companies in Birmingham contact Sarah Darch on Sarah.Darch@marketingbirmingham.com

The University of Warwick is a key part of a consortium that has just been awarded £1.4 Million by a new national programme designed to develop the next generation of solar energy harvesting technology.

The UK’s Technology Strategy Board and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council has awarded the £1.4 million to a consortium that includes The University of Warwick; the companies Kurt Lesker, Asylum Research, New World Solar, and Molecular Solar, and Imperial College London. Together they will work on the development of Prototype High Efficiency Multi-Junction Organic Solar Cells.

Professor Tim Jones from the University of Warwick said:

We are working with solar cells made from organic semiconductor materials which offer the prospect of very low cost manufacture of lightweight, flexible cells. They are made from sustainable materials and can be deployed as flexible sheets that could be used for a variety of applications including: a solar powered mobile phone charger that’s rolls up into a shape as small as the size of a pen, micro-lights that can be added to clothing, and a detachable sun-shade for automobile windscreens that powers a small integral fan to circulate air and cool the interior of the car when parked in direct sunlight.

Peter Ballantyne from Molecular Solar, a spin-out company from the University of Warwick, which will be developing this new technology said:

The low cost and flexibility of this new technology will lead to new applications that will further accelerate the growth of the solar power market, which has seen 40%/year growth over the last 10 years. Just one significant opportunity in consumer applications is the area of mobile phone chargers where over 1.3 billion units a year are produced.

In total fifteen British businesses and seven universities will share £5 million of government funding from the UK’s Technology Strategy Board and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to enable them to research the use of novel nanoscale technologies to develop the next generation of solar energy harvesting.

Iain Gray, Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board said:

These projects will help to position British businesses to exploit the growing global demand for solar energy harvesting technologies – and in the process help grow the British economy – while at the same time provide sustainable energy solutions for the UK. The projects are great examples of how to transfer commercially-focused research into the business community.

David Delpy, Chief Executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council said:

This is the first example of Nanoscience research funding from the Research Councils being directly pulled through to application funding with the Technology Strategy Board via a stage-gated funding route. This approach actively supports economic growth whilst helping to solve one of society's greatest challenges.

Mike Whitby - Leader of Birmingham City Council at MIPIM

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, talks about the opportunity MIPIM offers to showcase Birmingham and its delivery of major, sustainable developments Cllr. Whitby said:

Birmingham has upped its game in how it promotes itself as a global city and is now a premier destination of choice for investors.

MIPIM has provided the city with an opportunity to not only showcase our vision for making Birmingham a leading global city in which to live, work and invest, but to engage with over 900 representatives of the global developer community.

The Big City Plan, our blueprint for investors to see how the city will develop over the next 20 years, our vision for improving the city’s transport network and connections, with the runway extension at Birmingham airport and HS2, made for a compelling offer for delegates at the conference and I am looking forward to progressing some of the connections we have made this week.

Ian Taylor, Commercial Director for Marketing Birmingham, which manages Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme, commented:

Birmingham’s strength in delivering sustainable building and low carbon developments was something we were keen to highlight at MIPIM. Bringing green developments to market in the current financial climate is a concern for the property industry globally, and by providing platforms to discuss and debate the issue, the city was genuinely able to lead the ‘green’ agenda.

This was the first year that Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme managed by Marketing Birmingham, led the presence at MIPIM. The feedback from both delegates, and our 19 private sector partners, has been overwhelmingly positive. Promoting the city at the world’s largest developer conference has played a strategic role in raising international awareness of Birmingham’s current assets and potential for further development.

MIPIM Media

View all the videos and photos from our key events at MIPIM.

View the summary of MIPIM Media Coverage.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

Property briefs: BOMF, Priory club, Moor Green FC - The Business Desk

The Birmingham Office Market Forum has launched its fourth annual office space map which details market activity within the city. The map, unveiled at an event at Opus restaurant in the city, is part of an ongoing initiative by BOMF to provide updates on office market activity through the previous 12 months. Neil Rami was a guest speaker at the event and is quoted in article.

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B-Hive competition hails next generation of mad men - Creative Boom

After three days of stiff competition Birmingham’s next generation of ‘mad men’ has been cherrypicked by leading industry professionals as part of the B-Hive 2011 competition…

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B-Hive competition hails next generation of mad men - Midlands Business News

After three days of stiff competition Birmingham’s next generation of ‘mad men’ has been cherrypicked by leading industry professionals as part of the B-Hive 2011 competition…

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Due to open on Aston’s campus in October 2012, the facility, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Advantage West Midlands and Aston University, will include giant photo bioreactors harnessing algae, and a 0.4MWel small scale industrial power plant fuelled by biomass.

The Plant will generate heat and power from biomass using algae, sewage sludge, wood and agricultural waste as sources of fuel. It will also generate biomass by-products including hydrogen power for low carbon vehicles or fuel cells and Biochar for use as an agricultural fertiliser and a source for decentralised hydrogen production. A long-term research ambition is to create a ‘thermal ring’ of small scale industrial power plants around Birmingham. This could divert biodegradable waste away from landfill and incineration and feed energy back into the National Grid.

Low Carbon

Bioenergy is a key element of the UK achieving its EU Renewable Energy Directive- a target of 15 per cent of energy from renewable by 2020 (*1). Renewable heat and in particular bioenergy are expected to play a key role of up to 30 per cent of the target in addition to wind, solar and tidal power. The City of Birmingham is itself aiming for a CO2 reduction of 60% by 2026.

Professor Andreas Hornung, Head of the European Bioenergy Research Institute at Aston University, believes the new £16.5m development, which itself will be powered by renewable energy will increase opportunities in the low carbon market. He said;

EBRI will be using these laboratories to develop biomass technologies which in no way conflict with food production and are solely planned to operate on biogenic wastes. We want to divert waste materials from going directly to landfill or incineration for example, and harness the enormous untapped resources of biomass. Our new facility will showcase to industry how biomass can produce real-life solutions to tackling waste, with both environmental and financial benefits.

Aston University Vice Chancellor, Professor Julia King, who is the UK’s Low Carbon Business Ambassador and author of the ‘King Review’ into sustainable vehicles and fuel technologies, said;

Reducing carbon emissions is absolutely critical for tackling climate change. Through our research, our institutional environmental performance, and through our graduates we are working to deliver the technologies and the people to lead the delivery of the low carbon economy for the West Midlands region, the UK and beyond.

EBRI’s research into developing biofuels from carbon containing waste materials, promises to provide an important breakthrough in the quest to produce really sustainable, clean, and reliable power from new sources - a concept of cities powered by their own waste is being explored through our involvement in the European Institute of Innovation and Technology’s ‘Climate-KIC’ knowledge and innovation community.

Mark Foley, Director of European Programmes at Advantage West Midlands adds his support to the project. He said;

Encouraging innovation, research and development, together with building a sustainable future for the region, are key priorities for the ERDF Programme. Supported with over £8 million of ERDF funding, the facility will raise the profile of the region as a leader within the field of low carbon technologies.

EBRI is working with a range of leading companies to develop alternative energy solutions, including Severn Trent Water, in a project to transform sewage sludge into energy and collaboration with Johnson Matthey to transform gases into fuels for heat and power engines.

Handelsbanken, Sweden’s oldest listed company is to continue its UK expansion by opening a new Regional Bank based in Birmingham and investing in new branches throughout the Midlands.

The bank already has two Regional Banks based in London and Manchester covering the North and South of the country. The new office will be responsible for the Midlands area and will initially cover some 24 branches with the ambition to open further new branches in suitable towns in the region.

Handelsbanken provides old fashioned relationship banking and has very high capital reserves of 16.5% Tier One capital and very low bad debts because, it says, it focuses on customer service and not market share.

Goran Stille has been appointed Head of the Regional Bank which will have a staff of circa 25 including credit analysts, personnel and finance functions.

Stille who is relocating from Northern Sweden said;

I have been really impressed with the banks progress in the UK to date and can see the fantastic opportunity across the Midlands for our traditional relationship banking offer. I have been very impressed with Birmingham and am really looking forward to seeing our bank develop some more.

Joining the Regional Bank Management group is Patrick Hanlon who has run the city’s branch of Handelsbanken for the last seven years. Hanlon said:

This is a highly significant step for the bank and testimony to the success we have enjoyed in our Midlands branches to date. It is very exciting to be creating a new Regional Bank.

The Regional Head Office is located in Two Colmore Square which is owned by Nurton Developments. Handelsbanken are the second occupier to take office space there and were advised by Jon Carmalt of King Sturge, Nurton Developments were advised by CBRE’s Will Bentham.

Welcoming Handelsbanken to the building David Bradshaw, CEO of Nurton said:

We have seen Handelsbanken’s growth from the perspective of being customers of the bank, now we are providing them with their new offices we are looking forward to seeing further investment in the Midlands which can only be good for the Region, particularly at a time when banking appears to be at a seminal point. We have seen how the banks relationship model allows them to be consistent with their approach throughout the cycle.

Pictured from L to R: Patrick Hanlon and Goran Stille from Handelsbanken and back, David Bradshaw from Nurton Developments

Financial Services in Birmingham

To find out more about Birmingham's financial services offering visit www.businessbirmingham.com/sectors/financial-services-info

• Over 120 pieces of media coverage across international, national, trade, regional and online media - with more expected in the coming weeks

• 86 journalists engaged and briefed on Birmingham’s presence at MIPIM and opportunities for developers to be part of the city’s future

• 5 national media briefings secured for the delegation

• 4 pre-conference media releases issued, generating significant ‘warm up’ coverage

• 12 media releases issued during the conference on latest announcements, news and developments for the city 

• Secured daily coverage for the city in MIPIM Daily News, the conference’s prestigious daily news magazine

• Arranged all copy for 8-page Birmingham Post MIPIM supplement

• Ensured blanket media coverage in local and regional media, with MIPIM related news appearing daily in The Birmingham Post, Businessdesk.com and Insider Magazine for the duration, and beyond, of the conference

• Developed a comprehensive 40-page briefing document on all of the city’s development projects, ambitions and delivery for the Leader, partners and media to assist in their meetings at the conference, downloaded by 106 national and international journalists

These documents contain key highlights of the city’s media coverage from the conference. Further media coverage is expected and this note will be updated accordingly.

Download Front Cover

Download Leader of Birmingham City Council, Mike Whitby at MIPIM (Part 1)

Download Leader of Birmingham City Council, Mike Whitby at MIPIM (Part 2)

Download Business Birmingham Partners Coverage (Part 1)

Download Business Birmingham Partners (Part 2)

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Download Digital Engagement Coverage

The Health Research Bus (HRB) was launched last June as the first facility of its kind in the UK. Funded by Birmingham Science City and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity as part of its Research Grants programme, and led jointly by the Universities of Birmingham and Warwick, the Bus operates in collaboration with regional healthcare providers including University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and Birmingham Children’s NHS Trust.

It aims to revolutionise how clinical research for major health issues like diabetes, obesity and ageing is carried out in the community. Today sees the Bus arrive in the colourful markets area of the city centre on the first of four dates during the next fortnight when members of the public will be invited to take part in research studies organised by the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The first is to collect DNA samples to be used as a healthy comparison against a bank of samples for patients suffering from a disease called vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels).

We want to find out if there are certain genetic traits that the patients display so we need a wide range of samples from non-disease sufferers to compare them with'

explains Dr Julie Williams.

The second study is to recruit healthy volunteers and measure their immune response to a benign virus in their system. This will help in the treatment of patients with lupus (an autoimmune disease) in whom there is thought to be an increased reactivity. Patient samples have already been obtained and this study now needs healthy volunteers for comparison.

The third study will be looking at levels of fatigue in patients with vasculitis as this has a huge impact on their quality of life. ‘Again, we are looking for healthy volunteers to compare with our patient cohorts.’

Participants and other members of the public will be able to step inside the state-of-the-art Bus which houses procedure and treatment rooms and IT facilities as well as a £100,000 DXA scanner, used for measuring body composition and bone density.

The “bus” is the first of its kind in the UK and will enable clinical researchers in Birmingham to access a large population of diverse ethic and socio-economic mix in the surrounding community'

says Professor Paul Stewart, Dean of Medicine at the University of Birmingham and Director of the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility. He continues;

In doing so, it will widen participation in clinical trials across all sectors of society through a start-of-the-art facility linked back to our hospital base at the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust. The bus will be a crucial way of rapidly conducting trials and ensuring their results are implemented quickly to improve the health of patients in Birmingham and beyond.

The studies will take place on March 10, 11, 17 and 18.

For more information, please contact Jenni Ameghino, University of Birmingham Press Office on: 0121 415 8134.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information

Innovation alliance has the wow factor - Midlands Business News

Innovation and Technology leaders from the West Midlands' gathered together in Birmingham yesterday to attend the Innovation Futures Summit

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UK cities dominate online property searches - IPIN Live (Blog)

Sovereign and large pension schemes in London have been some the most active investors over the past 18 months, Property Week reports. It follows a recent study by global social network CREOPoint and KPMG which found that the UK's major cities dominated the online conversation during the recent MIPIM conference.

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UK cities dominate online property searches - International Business Times Hong Kong / International Business Times UK

The firms revealed that London, Manchester and Birmingham were among the cities that dominated internet searches last month.

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Abu dhabi set to unlock £18bn of construction in Birmingham - Construction News

A memorandum of understanding signed with Abu Dhabi will help unlock billions of pounds of stalled development in Birmingham...

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Top of the agenda - Midlands Business Insider (East) / Midlands Business Insider (West)

Andy Coyne reports from our West Midlands breakfast forum, where politics, recruitment and localism were hot topics for debate.

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Business Birmingham attracted over 900 delegates to its stand and events at the world's largest developer conference this week. See films and images from our key events.

View MIPIM Films

View MIPIM Image Gallery

As MIPIM draws to a close today, Birmingham’s delivery of large scale infrastructure, transport and retail developments, as well as its industry leading commitment to sustainable building and low carbon development, attracted more than 900 investors to the city’s stand and packed events programme.

Leader of Birmingham City Council, Mike Whitby led the city’s presence, which was for the first time organised by Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme.

Cllr. Whitby said:

Birmingham has upped its game in how it promotes itself as a global city and is now a premier destination of choice for investors.

MIPIM has provided the city with an opportunity to not only showcase our vision for making Birmingham a leading global city in which to live, work and invest, but to engage with over 900 representatives of the global developer community.
 
The Big City Plan, our blueprint for investors to see how the city will develop over the next 20 years, our vision for improving the city’s transport network and connections, with the runway extension at Birmingham airport and HS2, made for a compelling offer for delegates at the conference and I am looking forward to progressing some of the connections we have made this week.

Key announcements made at MIPIM included, among others:

• Unveiling of fresh images of New Street John Lewis

• Certificate of immunity granted for the Library

• Rider Levett Bucknall appointed by State Bank of India, for a project fit out and refurbish plan for nine high street branches

Details of all of the city’s news and events, can be found here

The new artist’s impressions were unveiled by Birmingham City Council leader Mike Whitby at MIPIM, the global property conference in France.

Councillor Whitby said:

This development is a real jewel in the new station’s innovative design and will bring real scale and activity to the new southern entrance. Showcasing this at an event such as MIPIM emphasises what a great place Birmingham is to invest in.

The 250,000 sq ft store contains four floors of retail, each approximately an acre in size, with delicately patterned glass walls. The concept has been designed by Foreign Office architects, the creative team behind the redevelopment of New Street station.

The £100 million development project will see the new John Lewis shop constructed on the south side of the redeveloped station, creating 900 new jobs for the wider economy, including 650 jobs at the department store. The project will also include the upgrade of the Pallasades Shopping Centre.

Samantha Rowntree, Retail Development Manager, John Lewis said:

We have been looking for an opportunity to open in Birmingham for some time and are thrilled to be playing a part in the regeneration of the south side of the city centre. Our stunning, four-storey landmark full-line department store, located adjacent to New Street station, will also provide a boost to local employment with the creation of around 650 new jobs. We are really looking forward to giving shoppers a broader retail offer when they visit Birmingham.

And Network Rail is inviting people to have their say on the plans with the launch of a public consultation.

Launching the consultation, Network Rail programme sponsor Andrew Skidmore said:

Birmingham Gateway is vital to both the transport and economic future of Birmingham and will transform New Street into a world class station, stimulate regeneration and create new jobs. The new John Lewis department store makes the economic case for Gateway even stronger and we want people to let us know their views on the plans.

Before the planning application in the spring, Network Rail is inviting people to have their say on the plans. People can feed back their views online at www.newstreetnewstart.co.uk from today (9 March) until 23 March.

There will also be a public exhibition in the North Mall area of the Pallasades shopping centre above the station where people can view the plans, see a new scale model of the station and meet members of the project team.

Pallasades Exhibition

The Pallasades exhibition will be open between 10am – 7pm on Tuesday 15th, Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th March. The investment is a major boost for Birmingham and demonstrates the impact of the Birmingham Gateway project which will redevelop New Street station and Birmingham City Council’s Big City Plan in providing the framework for major investment decisions.

The Gateway project including the John Lewis department store, will create new jobs, stimulate regeneration and confirm Birmingham City Centre as one of the leading retail destinations in the UK, generating millions of pounds worth of extra spend in Birmingham each year.

View of the planned south side entrance

The global property and construction practice will act as Project Managers, Cost Consultants, CDM co-ordinators and designers on the various schemes.

It will oversee the refurbishment and rebranding of new branches opening in Wolverhampton, Coventry and East Ham, and of existing branches at London Main Branch in the City, Golders Green Southall, Leicester, Manchester and Birmingham. In addition, RLB will fit out new office accommodation at Bishopsgate, London to house some of the departments of UK operations of State Bank of India.

Details of the contract are announced as RLB confirms its official opening of a new office in Mumbai, India.

Mark Weaver, managing partner at Rider Levett Bucknall said:

We are delighted to have been appointed to partner State Bank of India at a pivotal stage of its expansion plans. This programme will see us carry out work on all ten properties in less than 12 months, with a completion date set for late 2011.

Rider Levett Bucknall has extensive experience in the financial services sector, having undertaken work on behalf of HSBC, The Post Office, Barclays, Nationwide Building Society, Birmingham Midshires and Halifax.

Mr Rajnish Kumar, Regional Head of State Bank of India UK Operations said:

Rider Levett Bucknall was chosen for a number of reasons, including knowledge and experience of the sector and an ability to provide cost effective solutions. In addition, the team demonstrated a forward thinking approach which complements our own.

The State Bank of India is the oldest and largest commercial bank in India, with more than 13,000 branches in India and over 142 offices across 32 countries. With a current portfolio of seven branches in the UK, a further three branches are set to open shortly. This forms part of a broader strategy to expand its existing presence in Europe.

RLB India has already secured a major contract for its Mumbai office with the expansion of a Sheffield cutlery manufacturer to the city.

Lance Taylor, CEO for RLB, added:

With India set to become one of the world’s economic superpowers, it is a logical step for Rider Levett Bucknall to incorporate India into its growth strategy. We have worked on a number of projects in India and understand the opportunities and challenges as well as the mind-set that exists.

The opportunity to combine the strengths of a fast growing economy with the established global expertise of Rider Levett Bucknall is an exciting one for us and our new colleagues in India.

In November 2008, Carillion was awarded the contract to create a new library for Birmingham. Working with Birmingham City Council, the team is providing design and construction services for this prestigious project.

This will see the new Library of Birmingham and adjacent Repertory Theatre joined together to create a cultural centre, drawing visitors from all over the world and providing state-of-the-art facilities in the City for decades to come. Carillion is engaging with the local community by supporting schools in the City, raising construction awareness and providing local employment opportunities and apprenticeships.

At MIPIM 2011 Carillion is focusing on its holistic approach to economic sustainability and uses the model established at the Library of Birmingham to demonstrate its capabilities in this area.

Simon Dingle, Carillion Operations Director said:

We are proud to be supporting Birmingham City Council at MIPIM 2011, and this presentation provides the opportunity for us to discuss some of the key innovations and ideas that are being implemented at the Library of Birmingham, as well as some of the wider strategies for sustainability that are being used and developed within Carillion as a whole.

Wouter Schuitemaker is the Investment Director for Business Birmingham, the city's new inward investment programme.

He is currently out in New York, the first stop and the launching pad for Birmingham's overseas programme of activity aimed at attracting international investment to the city;

The business programme was officially launched last night in conjunction with the support of UK Trade & Investment who kindly hosted us at the Norwood Club and where guest of honour Nick McInnes, Director of UKTI for the United States, encouraged US businesses to engage with the UK's 'best kept secret', the city of Birmingham and all it has to offer international investors.

The agenda for the visit is a focussed sales mission targeting US companies in key sectors of strength for Birmingham, including financial services, digital media and cleantech. Over a four-day programme we will be meeting face-to-face with over 20 companies in these sectors, all of whom have expressed a direct interest in learning more about the opportunities our city has to offer.

The response from both large corporations and smaller companies in the emerging technologies space has been overwhelming, suggesting bright prospects for the city going forward. With the US contributing almost 40% of all inward investment into the city in recent years it was no coincidence that we decided to head to New York to kick start the international programme. And the targeted approach of presenting real business opportunities in a specific sector context around the significant developments happening in Birmingham is generating real currency for the city in terms of its relevance to expanding US companies.

It is the message that Birmingham is big enough to matter but small enough to care that is giving us some real traction in this market. And notwithstanding the challenges in a market of this scale of differentiating the value proposition of a UK city over both our domestic peers and our European competition, the message that Birmingham is moving forward with £18bn of investment in infrastructure developments seems to be generating real interest.

It is also the presentation of the 'whole package' of the city from not only a business, but also cultural and quality of life perspective that is capturing the imagination of the people we meet. We were lucky enough to be involved in the Ex Cathedra choral group performance that took place in the city this weekend and was highlighted as a key event in the New York Times.

It is this holistic approach to investment attraction that will ultimately help the city to win real investment and, from the reaction here in the US, the signs are good.

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, will today outline to MIPIM delegates the recipe for regeneration success as he speaks alongside city leaders from Manchester and Leeds at a ‘Making Regeneration Happen’ seminar, hosted by Regeneration UK.

Whitby will urge cities to develop a credible long-term vision supported by a proactive sales strategy if they are to secure funding and investment to grow, commenting:

It is important for cities targeting regeneration to engage with the growth centres of tomorrow if they really want to compete. Birmingham is already working closely with China, India and the Middle East to ensure that its future is closely tied to the emerging nations.

Whitby will use examples such as the recent world-first Memorandum of Understanding with Abu Dhabi, which is already leveraging funding as Birmingham sells its experience in city governance, highlighting and profiling Birmingham.

He will also highlight the importance of links with powerful economies to support manufacturing jobs in the West Midlands:

We have formed a Sister City agreement with Guangzhou, and have strong ties to Nanjing, Beijing and Hong Kong. These have supported local car manufacturing, and have seen the creation of a major engine R&D hub. We have also welcomed significant investment from Tata, and worked with them on a major Regional Growth Fund.

The seminar is one of seven events taking place on Wednesday 9 March, including ‘Science Parks without Walls’ with Birmingham Science Park Aston, ‘Do we need Low Carbon Property?’ with Willmott Dixon and ‘The Economics of Sustainability’ with Carillion Plc.

The city’s comprehensive MIPIM programme opened with a networking event for partners in partnership with the Birmingham Post where they heard about Birmingham’s activity during MIPIM and received an update on Birmingham’s ambitions for the Paradise Circus site. 

In this video Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, talks about the opportunity MIPIM offers to showcase Birmingham and its delivery of major, sustainable developments:

Revealing for the first time in public the 'Immunity from Listing' certificate, granted for the 1960s built brutalist library by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport earlier this year, Whitby outlined how plans to develop a major mixed use regeneration project on the Paradise Circus site can now push ahead, as soon as the library service is fully decanted to the neighbouring new £188.8m Library of Birmingham in 2013.

Cllr Whitby will also tell a VIP audience at an event sponsored by the Birmingham Post, how the redevelopment of Paradise Circus will create up to 10,000 jobs and link the city's prestigious Southside business and entertainment districts to the main city centre.

Accessibility

Key projects in the Southside area, which the Paradise scheme will make more accessible to the rest of the city will include the world renowned Symphony Hall, ICC, NIA, Library of Birmingham and Brindley Place, as well as the soon to be developed Arena Central.

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

Birmingham is gaining real momentum as it delivers some iconic schemes, but moving ahead as a city doesn’t always involve building something new – this year we are announcing a demolition that will change the face of the city.

The Certificate of Immunity has paved the way for a major redevelopment right at the heart of Birmingham city centre. Although just a piece of paper, it unlocks £500m worth of investment and could create over 10,000 jobs.

I believe the Paradise Circus development – which will be a major project in partnership between Birmingham City Council and Argent – is one of the most significant regeneration schemes taking place in the country at the moment. It has the potential to be one of the landmark schemes in the transformation of Birmingham, which will no doubt elevate our standing and reputation on the global stage.

The event will take place at Birmingham’s MIPIM stand, as part of the Birmingham Welcome Reception in partnership with the Birmingham Post.

To keep up to date with all the latest news and announcements live from MIPIM follow @Business_bham on Twitter.

Hines originally acquired the property for HECF in a sale and leaseback deal from Cadbury. The chocolate maker, now owned by US food giant Kraft, has a lease until 2016. The property was built in 1993 and expanded in 1998.

The Birmingham office of Colliers International advised Hines. King Sturge acted for Cabot Properties, Inc.

Chris Bampton, associate director in the investment team at Colliers, said:

Despite challenging conditions there is still demand for well let assets, and despite the relatively short nature of the income in this particular transaction, the location and quality of the unit proved favourable to both foreign and domestic buyers.

Allan Wilson, a partner in the investment team at King Sturge, added:

It shows the strength of the Birmingham distribution market that Cabot, one of the US's largest industrial investors, decided to make their first UK acquisition in our region, and naturally King Sturge was delighted to advise.

Chris Bampton, associate director in the investment team at the Birmingham office of Colliers International.

A property boasting sustainable ‘green’ credentials is the most decisive factor influencing investors in the present economic climate, according to a survey carried out by Business Birmingham, the new investment arm of Marketing Birmingham, ahead of its presence at MIPIM 2011.

Nearly half of respondents (45%) to the poll on Business Birmingham’s website claimed that a focus on sustainability was the most crucial issue in the current financial environment.

Almost a quarter (24%) of those polled highlighted low cost as the most pivotal reason, while over one in five (21%) expressed a desire to be close to the business community when deciding to invest in a property.

Eugien Jaruga, Director of Partnerships at UK house builder Keepmoat and part of Birmingham's MIPIM events programme, commented:

MIPIM remains a hugely important event in the property industry calendar with hundreds of investors flocking to the event every year. The green agenda has become “unavoidable” for the real estate industry, and as leaders in delivery community regeneration across the UK we are passionate about creating vibrant, sustainable communities that people are proud to live and work in.

Birmingham has shown its commitment to the green agenda by putting sustainable living at the forefront of its MIPIM programme.

Business Birmingham and its partners will be hosting a variety of green-focused events at MIPIM 2011 in Cannes this week. View the full schedule of events here.

14 events to take place over 48 hours with 20 speakers

Birmingham kicks off its agenda-leading events programme at MIPIM, positioning the city as the green heart of the UK thanks to its commitment to low carbon infrastructure and a focus on tackling issues surrounding sustainability targets for the industry.

The packed events schedule,which already has 400 delegates registered, will be keeping organisers Marketing Birmingham and its 19 private sector partners fully occupied as the city looks to engage with potential investors on a range of projects, opportunities and hot industry topics.

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, will be speaking at 10 events covering areas such as investment in infrastructure, innovative funding models and low carbon development, while underlining the pace of activity the city is experiencing even in a challenging climate:

We have been coming to MIPIM for some years, launching development plans and initiating discussions with developers and end users, highlighting Birmingham’s vision for future growth. This year the city will be demonstrating how it is currently one of the most active regional cities in regards to development and construction, with major schemes underway such as New Street Gateway. Birmingham is delivering on its development promise.

The city’s comprehensive programme will open with a networking event for partners where they will hear about Birmingham’s activity during MIPIM and receive an update on Birmingham’s Big City Plan. The events will take place at Birmingham’s MIPIM stand, R27.09, as well as other venues within the city.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information

No Oscars and no Kate, but this visit is a reminder of the ties that bind – The Daily Telegraph

Business Birmingham was in New York this month as part of its strategy to raise the city’s international profile and attract investors to Birmingham. The Daily Telegraph reports on Birmingham’s investment strategy.

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British companies need to show the US there’s more to this country than the Royal Wedding - The Daily Telegraph

Business Birmingham was in New York this month as part of its strategy to raise the city’s international profile and attract investors to Birmingham. The Daily Telegraph reports on Birmingham’s investment strategy

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Students prepare to battle it out for B-Hive crown - Midlands Business News

Students in the Midlands are buzzing with anticipation with less than four days remaining before entries for B-Hive 2011 close. Neil Rami, Head of Business Birmingham, believes schemes like B-Hive are key to retaining graduate talent in the Midlands: "Business Birmingham is working alongside partners to promote the city as a successful business location which offers a highly skilled talent pool to potential investors. Encouraging graduates to remain in the city to develop their career is part of our strategy to build a strong talent base in the region.”

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Students prepare to battle it out for B-Hive crown - Onrec

Students in the Midlands are buzzing with anticipation with less than four days remaining before entries for B-Hive 2011 close. Neil Rami, Head of Business Birmingham, believes schemes like B-Hive are key to retaining graduate talent in the Midlands: "Business Birmingham is working alongside partners to promote the city as a successful business location which offers a highly skilled talent pool to potential investors. Encouraging graduates to remain in the city to develop their career is part of our strategy to build a strong talent base in the region.”

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B-Hive scheme creates a buzz - Birmingham Mail

The final entries are in for a Dragon’s den style competition which allows Midlands students to take their first steps into the highly competitive creative industries.

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Birmingham Science Park Aston (BSPA), which is wholly owned by Birmingham City Council, is using the annual international MIPIM property conference held in Cannes, France this week to unveil its plans and timeframe to appoint a joint venture partner to deliver the £35 million Digital Plaza.

The Digital Plaza – which will, subject to planning, be developed next to the Park’s Faraday Wharf building – will comprise four state of the art buildings, specifically designed for the new generation of hi-tech companies. While the nature of the work in the hi-tech and digital gaming industry typically lends itself to people working from home, BSPA’s thriving mix of tenants strongly advocate that businesses can grow more effectively working from a specialist hub environment.

BSPA’s internet connection is unrivalled across the country; UK Broadband is implementing a 4G trial at the Park; and together with Cisco, JANET and the University of Warwick, BSPA has become the UK’s first Science Park Without Walls.

Cllr Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham City Council and chairman of Birmingham Science Park Aston comments:

I am delighted to be announcing at MIPIM that we are commencing the process to deliver the proposed £35 million Digital Plaza. We will be using the conference as a platform to initiate conversations with national and international developers, contractors, investors and consultants. We then anticipate that formal proceedings to begin the selection process will commence, with a view to work potentially starting on site by late 2012/early 2013. This will be a highly exciting and progressive development for Birmingham’s burgeoning digital economy.

Dr David Hardman MBE, CEO of Birmingham Science Park Aston (pictured right) said:

We are driving forward with our business strategy to make Birmingham Science Park Aston a world-leading science park, fit for 2020 and beyond. Many of our initiatives and partnerships do not rely on us developing new buildings, but we need to respond to our tenants’ needs and the considerable uptake in space here in the past 12 months. In order to remain competitive, we must create buildings which are specifically designed for companies in the hi-tech and digital gaming sectors and for the digitally savvy founders of these ventures. It is these knowledge-based businesses which have the potential for high growth and will be a key factor in driving our economy out of recession.

The four proposed Digital Plaza buildings will provide a total gross area of 10,895 sq m (117,272 sq ft) of space, with the first building - iCentrumTM – being the largest at 4,280 sq m (46,069 sq ft). The draft proposals envisage four new buildings which are linked by a spectacular colonnade walkway on land fronting on to Holt Street.

There are plans for two further buildings of 1,629 sq m (17,534 sq ft) and a fourth building offering 3,357 sq m (36,134 sq ft). These buildings are expected to appeal to larger companies as headquarters style facilities.

Over 37,000 sq ft of business space has been let across the 14 acre BSPA estate over the past 12 months. Faraday Wharf, which incorporates an extensive suite of meeting and conference rooms - as well as the Park’s nationally acclaimed Entrepreneurs for the Future (e4f) incubation centre – is now over 95 per cent let, with 17,684 sq ft of space let to Small to Medium sized Enterprises over the past 12 months.

Ground-breaking solutions

BSPA’s tenants represent a cross-section of some of the UK’s most innovative sectors, producing creative and ground-breaking solutions for industry and the public sector. The Park’s strategy is to drive high-value employment and wealth creation by embracing the region’s enterprise culture, through providing a service that benefits both founders of new technology ventures and more established businesses. This includes the e4f Centre’s multi-occupancy start-up facility and incubator programme, which focuses on providing a supportive environment for innovators, where they can work alongside like-mind people. Established in 2009, e4f has already incubated 35 start-up businesses.

MIPIM 2011

Dr David Hardman, Cllr Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council and Chair of BSPA and Neil Crockett, Managing Director of Cisco London 2012 will deliver a presentation about the proposed Digital Plaza and the Science Park Without Walls initiative at Salon Deauville, Majestic Hotel, Cannes at 11am on Tuesday 9th March 2011, as part of Team Birmingham’s events programme at MIPIM.

Birmingham based public sector procurement specialist lawyers Anthony Collins Solicitors and Nottinghamshire County Council recently teamed up to show just how cost-effective public sector procurement can and should be done in today’s challenging financial climate.

Against a backdrop of a number of recent high-profile and costly public sector procurement fiascos, it took Anthony Collins and Nottinghamshire County Council less than two months to complete a £10.2m contract that commits the authority to major changes in its HR, Payroll, Finance and Procurement functions and delivers the cornerstone of the Council’s business improvement strategy.

With Anthony Collins Solicitors acting as sole legal advisers on the negotiations, the contract signed with Logica UK Limited will unlock a range of benefits, including:

• Greater efficiency to increase the work capacity of each staff member and so reduce the cost of these functions across the council
• Up-skilling and empowering Council staff so they are fully engaged and can sustain the changes with minimal ongoing help from consultants

Effective Partnership for a new era of Public Sector Procurement

The resulting contract is an early and leading example of what public authorities and their professional advisers can achieve in a new era of public sector procurement.

The Nottinghamshire County Council project is designed to pay for itself through efficiency savings by early 2013. The clear vision, good governance, discipline and business-led use of IT that underpin the Council’s strategy reflects growing trends in public sector procurement and were immediately attractive to Anthony Collins Solicitors.

Despite the timescales within which it was forged, the contract is high quality and well thought through against the most exacting standards.

The Council was fortunate in having three bidders of exceptional quality who presented solutions based on both Oracle and SAP software. Anthony Collins was appointed to support the Council’s project team in the legal and commercial negotiations; the Anthony Collins’ team played a key role in promoting strong competition between the bidders whilst ensuring procurement law compliance and strict confidentiality.

Other key features of the contract included a fixed price, contractual commitments which require Logica UK to achieve outcomes rather than merely deliver a service and built-in contingencies and flexible software licence terms that enable the Council to meet an uncertain future.

The lawyers’ sheer tenacity and hard work was credited with encouraging bidder commitment to the process.

Jon Nash, the UK Public Sector adviser who led the Council’s negotiating team, said:

Anthony Collins blended seamlessly into the Council’s team. There was an immediate affinity between Anthony Collins’ lead David Hall and the team, and he was completely focused on achieving the Council’s objectives from the start.

Getting the buy-in and engagement of key staff and business areas is a critical factor in the success of technology-based projects, and Nottinghamshire County Council placed considerable premium on ensuring it did so.

Anthony Collins contributed by providing clear, plain English reporting and recommendations for senior managers, directors and councillors.

The lawyers facilitated officer engagement by providing training and guidance within the negotiation team and also took a lead in managing and resolving the large volume of issues and documentation generated by three parallel negotiations on-going within tight timescales.

The contract exceeded the Council’s expectations in a number of key areas. Most strikingly, apart from the timescales, all of the Council’s tendered requirements were met within its £10.2m budget for the project.

Anthony Collins were integral in encouraging fresh commercial thinking that enabled Logica to match the budgetary requirements at the same time as ensuring the council got the contractual assurance it needed.

The intense but highly effective period of legal and commercial dialogue was completed, as planned, in just seven weeks thanks in large part to an efficient and positive approach combined with a good deal of plain hard work.

As a whole the project shows that strategically important public sector procurements for complex goods and services can be delivered to aggressive timescales and budgets. It also shows that systems integrators can and will adapt their business models to meet the changing needs of the public sector.

Jas Hundal, Business Management System Programme Director at the Council, said:

The Anthony Collins’ team are the best lawyers the Council has appointed for some years. The legal expertise was high quality, but what impressed was their grasp of the big picture. They contributed leadership and deep understanding of commercial negotiation, technology and relationships, all focused on securing the Council’s vision and outcomes.

The legal team was headed by David Hall, Senior Associate and Technology Lead at Anthony Collins. He added:

Nottinghamshire used a Buying Solutions framework to great effect and the team at Anthony Collins is confident of achieving the same outcomes via different procurement routes. We are passionate about making public sector procurement and contracts cheaper, more sustainable and more effective, and want to provide top class professional services based on legal expertise. Anthony Collins has shown it can deliver its vision.

Public authorities who need to achieve efficiencies, quality improvements and savings can take much needed confidence that, with the right team in place, those outcomes are in reach even in the current economic climate.

Find out more about Birmingham's financial services sector.

A new study to assess the benefits of exercise for people with type 1 diabetes is about to start in Birmingham. The study is being funded through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) under its Research for Patient Benefit Programme (RfPB) and will recruit throughout the West Midlands and South West England. Birmingham has secured £249,000 of the total funding.

The study aims to investigate the benefits of regular exercise in adults newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. In particular it will examine whether exercise can preserve insulin secretion, which is important for controlling blood sugar levels. Controlling blood sugar levels in patients with type 1 diabetes is the cornerstone to reducing the risks of diabetic complications such as blindness and kidney failure.

The research will be coordinated by the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and involves University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB), the University of Birmingham, University of Bristol and University of Bath. Newly-diagnosed patients over the age of 16 will be recruited over two years, starting mid-March 2011, and will remain in the study for a year.

They will be randomly allocated into two groups, with one group receiving normal treatment and the other encouraged to also adhere to a simple and safe exercise programme which increases their activity levels to 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week – the level recommended by the Department of Health.

Dr Parth Narendran, diabetes consultant at UHB, said:

There is already some evidence that exercise can preserve insulin production in healthy people and patients with other forms of diabetes. We now need to find out if this is also the case for patients with type 1 diabetes. “The type 1 diabetes patients in the study group will get support from exercise experts, monitoring, regular contact and an individualised programme. The exercise can take any form, for example in the gym (for which the patients will get free membership), walking or swimming.

Find out more about Birmingham's developing clinical trials sector here.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

A new approach-Investment Now

Neil Rami, Head of Business Birmingham, outlines the city’s new approach to inward investment and its plans to make Birmingham the most attractive city in Europe in which to do business.

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New consortium pledges support for HS2 - The Business Desk (West Midlands)

The controversial High Speed Rail link between Birmingham and London has received a massive shot-in-the-arm after being backed by business leaders, their public sector counterparts and surprisingly, a new residents group. Neil Rami, head of Business Birmingham, said: “Birmingham is a business city that must be served by first class transport links if it is to deliver the private sector jobs its economy is demanding."

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Pro -HS2 groups unite to make their voices heard - Rail Technology Magazine

High-profile public and private sector supporters of HS2 in the West Midlands have banded together to combat the growing influence of the anti-high-speed lobby. Neil Rami, head of Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme, operated by Marketing Birmingham, said: “International investors we speak with are underlining the importance for their business of operating in a country with a 21st century rail network, which for them means high-speed rail connections."

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Business and public sectors unite behind high speed rail - TradingMarkets

Key players from the West Midlands private and public sectors have joined forces to launch a powerful consortium in support of the proposed high speed rail link between Birmingham and London. GO-HS2 is a collaboration between big business including the NEC Group, Birmingham Airport and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and public bodies including Birmingham City Council, Solihull Council, transport authority Centro and Marketing Birmingham.

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Blues' Halo effect could mean city's a winner too - Birmingham Post

Birmingham City’s League Cup success is being tipped to boost the West Midlands’ economy as European football is set to make a return to the region.

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Birmingham city's carling sup success set to boost region - Birmingham Post (web)

Birmingham City’s Carling Cup success is being tipped to boost the West Midlands’ economy as European football is set to make a return to the region... Wouter Schuitemaker, investment director for inward investment body Business Birmingham, said: “Birmingham City’s success on Sunday is a fantastic win for the city, not just in sporting terms, but also as part of its wider global profile – the final was shown in over 130 countries...

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BSEEN, a collaboration between Aston University, Birmingham City University and University of Birmingham, and funded by Birmingham City Council’s Working Neighbourhoods Fund, has helped over 350 recent graduates and students to develop their enterprise skills and supported 90 to set up their own business with at least 30 new businesses created within the region.

The 17-month project is due to come to an end, but because of its success, the universities are keen to ensure BSEEN continues whilst alternative funding applications are submitted and processed.

Professor Helen Higson, Senior Pro-Vice Chancellor at Aston University, said:

BSEEN has helped to meet some of the key regional economic imperatives of retaining graduates in the region, increasing skill level of the workforce and increasing innovation and enterprise. Our event on 8th March is a dissemination event, where we explain the work we’ve carried out and then ask for thoughts and feedback from project stakeholders as well as members of the public.

We’re particularly interested in inviting along anyone who has experience of employing graduates or would like to facilitate graduate enterprise, so we can explore the future for entrepreneurs and enterprise.

For further information or to be added to the guest list for the event, please contact Cath Foster on 0121 204 3137. Alternatively, register online at futureofgraduateentrepreneurship.eventbrite.com.

A free half-day seminar designed to demystify the secrets of stress-free business communications is being hosted in Birmingham by Midlands telecoms firm Armstrong Bell and industry giant NEC.

The event, which will be held at the Hilton Birmingham Bromsgrove Hotel on Thursday 17th March from 9.30am, is aimed at business owner-managers, SMEs and corporate facilities managers within the region and will cover everything from cloud computing to implementing an effective disaster recovery plan and even ‘ethical hacking’ to check data security.

Will Copley, director of Armstrong Bell, said:

Technology has the power to make doing business much easier, whether it’s the basics of an office phone or IT system that ‘just works’ with no hassle, or remote working from the other side of the world and having everything you need at your fingertips. But we’ve also all experienced the times when technology doesn’t work – it’s incredibly frustrating for staff and customers, and costs a business time and money in lost productivity.

We’re hoping to explain at the seminar some of the issues firms should be thinking about when it comes to building a strong and effective telecommunications backbone for their business, as well as demonstrating the latest kit which makes it all possible. It’s an opportunity for companies to talk one-to-one with experts from various communications disciplines and receive advice tailored to their own business.

The free event includes lunch, and there will be a prize draw to win an Apple iPad and a Ricoh CX2 camera. For further information or to register for a place, call Armstrong Bell on 0121 275 1980 or email info@armstrongbell.co.uk.

John Lewis, Network Rail and Birmingham City Council confirm agreement for a full-line John Lewis department store to be located adjacent to New Street station in Birmingham city centre.

The £100 million development project will see the new John Lewis shop constructed on the south side of a redeveloped New Street station, creating 900 new jobs for the wider economy, including 650 jobs at the department store. The project will also include the upgrade of the Pallasades Shopping Centre.

The investment is a major boost for Birmingham and demonstrates the impact of the Birmingham Gateway project which will redevelop New Street station and Birmingham City Council’s Big City Plan in providing the framework for major investment decisions. The Gateway project including the John Lewis department store, will create new jobs, stimulate regeneration and confirm Birmingham City Centre as one of the leading retail destinations in the UK, generating millions of pounds worth of extra spend in Birmingham each year.

The 250,000 sq ft John Lewis shop, scheduled to open in 2014, will be one of the largest John Lewis department stores outside London. Featuring more than 350,000 products including fashion, furniture, homewares, beauty and the latest technology, the new shop will greatly improve the quality and breadth of Birmingham’s retail offer.

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council said:

I am delighted that John Lewis will be joining the Birmingham retail family. We have been working to secure their presence in the city for over two years now, and to see the fruits of our negotiation borne out today is phenomenal. Not only will their presence bring 900 new jobs, and create an extra £100m of investment, it will enhance what is already a spectacular new development of New Street station – and enhance our reputation as a city to do business in.

Andy Street, Managing Director, John Lewis said:

Together with a progressive city council and Network Rail, we are pleased to play our part in the regeneration of Birmingham city centre. We will deliver a landmark, long-term investment and quality job creation. This project fulfils John Lewis’s longstanding ambition to bring our unique retail and employment offer to Birmingham. Our presence in Birmingham will also enhance competition, choice and quality for the benefit of regional shoppers.

David Higgins, Chief Executive Officer, Network Rail:

Network Rail is helping to rebuild Birmingham by transforming New Street. The project is about much more than simply redeveloping the station. Today’s deal is a further sign that our plans are critical to the long term success of the city and will create new jobs and help stimulate economic growth. These exciting changes are happening as a direct result of the investment being made to improve Birmingham’s transport infrastructure.

The development of the south side of the New Street Gateway is also a key element of Birmingham’s Big City Plan, as it will for the first time open up access and economic growth to a large area to the south of the station, where new quarters of the city centre will now be developed.

Left to Right: Andy Street, Managing Director, John Lewis. Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, David Higgins, Chief Executive Officerr of Network Rail.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

HS2 will give Brum the edge - Midlands Insider Magazine (West)

Businesses in the region are getting behind the HS2 initiative, quote from Neil Rami.

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LEPS yet to convince, says business leaders - Midlands Business InsiderMidlands Business Insider

Confusion still surrounds the LEPs suggest Birmingham business leaders. The comments of the panellists taking part in Insider’s Business Agenda breakfast at 35 Newhall Street in Birmingham revealed the government’s chosen structures to replace the regional development agencies (RDAs) have some way to go if they are to convince business leaders that they can succeed.

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City to lead agenda on key development issues

Birmingham has set its sights on the future challenges to be faced by the development industry as it launches its MIPIM 2011 event schedule today.

The city will be leading debates and hosting showcases to raise the profile of its expertise in delivering efficient, low carbon schemes as the industry examines how to keep costs to a minimum without impacting on the quality of development.

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

This year’s events programme has been carefully prepared to enable us to demonstrate that Birmingham leads the agenda on innovative and sustainable city planning, and therefore delivering on its vision for the future. We will be showcasing the city’s low carbon plans to influential investors and senior decision-makers at a variety of events where they will be able to meet some of Birmingham’s leading companies.

Business Birmingham, the city’s new inward investment body, has published the events programme, which involves 14 events and over 20 speakers across the four-day property show between 8-11 March in Cannes, France. Events will cover zero-carbon city-planning, improving digital and physical connectivity and delivering iconic projects in a challenging economy.

Key figures participating in the programme include: David Adams, Head of Retrofit at Willmott Dixon; Gary Taylor, Managing Director of property development company Argent Group PLC; Simon Dingle, Operations Director at support services company Carillion and Bo Aronsson, Project Manager for RiverCity Gothenburg, part of the Swedish city’s 2050 development plan.

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, will be participating in a panel debate within the main conference programme on ‘Making Regeneration Happen in the UK’ alongside figures from Manchester and Leeds as well as leading a series of events on Birmingham’s Decade of Delivery.

The events will take place at Birmingham’s MIPIM stand, R27.09, as well as other venues within the city.

VIEW THE FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS HERE

Over 25 clients from the 10 largest property companies and landowners in the West Midlands gathered at DTZ in Birmingham for a briefing on the Big City Plan, one of the most ambitious citywide development projects currently being undertaken in the UK.

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham and Waheed Nazir, Director of Regeneration at Birmingham City Council gave an insight into the plans and how they are set to transform the second city.

The Big City Plan aims to turn Birmingham into a world class city centre by planning for the next 20 years of transformation. Key projects which form part of the plan include, the New Street Station Gateway, Paradise Circus and The Library of Birmingham.

Jon Leedham, Regional Managing Director at DTZ, commented:

This was a fantastic opportunity for key landowners to debate the issues which will undoubtedly transform Birmingham’s property landscape. I would like to thank Neil and Waheed for their time and the updates given and feel confident that there are exciting times ahead for the property industry in Birmingham with the private and public sector working together.

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham, which leads the Business Birmingham campaign, said:

Birmingham has evolved its investment and development proposition over the past 12 months with an aim to become the most attractive city in Europe to do business. The alignment of the Big City Plan and the Business Birmingham programme has provided a vehicle through which the city can improve upon its infrastructure and investment opportunities. We are now working with businesses in Birmingham to look at how they can support our sales and marketing activity as we look to generate further growth and jobs for the city.

Waheed Nazir, Director of Planning and Regeneration at Birmingham City Council, said:

Launching the Big City Plan City Centre Masterplan in September 2010 is an important step in our journey toward delivering a world class city centre. It provides a clear route map for the city and all its partners for the coming years. What has been extremely pleasing since the launch has been the hugely positive response that the plan has received and the interest it has generated in the city.

The focus now turns to delivering the ambitious agenda for transformation and we will be working ever closely with our partners in both the private, public and voluntary sectors to drive forward the Big City Plan.

From left to right: Jon Leedham, Regional Managing Director at DTZ; Waheed Nazir, Director of Planning and Regeneration at Birmingham City Council; Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham

Eco2Solar have sustained stellar growth over the last year despite the recession meaning an additional 12 members of staff have been employed in that time. As a result, Eco2Solar quickly outgrew their new unit at Hoo Farm requiring more office and warehouse capacity. When two adjacent units became available, Eco2Solar Managing Director Paul Hutchens wasted no time in making an offer for the additional space. This acquisition saw the unit expanded three-fold providing the much needed space needed for Eco2Solar’s expansion.

Mark Garnier, MP for the Wyre Forest, said:

This type of alternative energy production is extremely important…it is great to see that we have a company in the centre of the Wyre Forest specialising in this area – making it relevant right here, right now. Businesses like Eco2Solar will make the difference as to how the economy grows in the future.

Paul Hutchens, managing Director of Eco2Solar added:

With Eco2Solar fast approaching their 300th domestic installation, along with all the social housing and large commercial projects where we have installed solar energy systems, we are confident that this success will continue long into 2011 and beyond.

The partnership will investigate ‘second generation’ biofuels to create high performance cars with reduced CO2 emissions.

Renewable energy has always been a key concern for Lord Drayson, the former UK Minister for Science, who formed Drayson Racing to act as a racing laboratory to pioneer the development of green technologies and remove reliance on fossil fuels in motor racing.

Last year, Drayson Racing achieved the first ever international pole & win for a bio-ethanol fuelled race car in the highly competitive American Le Mans Series endurance race at Road America – proving the effectiveness of its unique 200 mph+ Flex-Fuel race car while producing approximately 40% less carbon impact than the petrol fuelled cars that it beat.

Next generation biofuels are seen as providing one of the cost effective way of reducing CO2 emissions of internal combustion engines over the next two decades with the extreme conditions experienced in motor racing offering an exciting platform for developing this low carbon technology to a wider audience. They are produced from waste biomass such as straw, wood and sewage sludge, removing reliance on dedicated food crops.

The Drayson Racing and Aston University partnership will in particular investigate;

• The production of ‘second generation’ biofuels from sources such as organic waste;
• Improving the stability and reliability of ‘second generation’ biofuels;
• Enhancing the ability of high performance engines to optimise performance;
• Developing materials for use in fuel pumps and other areas which are capable of surviving a highly aggressive biofuel environment.

Aston University’s expertise in low carbon and sustainable research includes involvement in the UK’s largest study into long-term low carbon vehicle use, investigating the performance of fuel cells, electric, and hydrogen power cars. The University’s European Bioenergy Research Institute (EBRI) is a world leader in biofuels and biomass research. Current projects include the transformation of algae, wood waste and sewage sludge into new forms of energy. Aston’s Polymer, Bioenergy, Mechanical Engineering, Photonics and Computer Science research groups will all be working with Drayson Racing.

Lord Drayson, former UK Minister for Science and Innovation, Managing Partner of Drayson Racing and Aston alumnus, said;

I’m thrilled to be working with Aston University on this exciting and important research area which leverages Aston’s leadership in biofuels research and their established links with the biotech and automotive industries. We have pioneered the use of second-generation cellulosic bio-ethanol in motor racing for over four years.”

He added;

Reducing vehicle emissions is one of the critical challenges of the next 20 years. Road transport accounts for 25 to 35% of CO2 emissions in developed countries, and the major source of these emissions is private cars. We are keen to apply what we have learnt on the track to novel products that will improve the performance of future vehicles while reducing their carbon impact.”

Professor Robert Berry, Executive Dean of Engineering at Aston University, said;

This new partnership is extremely exciting for us all. The opportunity to partner with Drayson Racing is particularly unique and motivating: working at the leading edge of this highly competitive sport where engines and drivers are operating at their respective limits will encourage a real acceleration of research results into practice."

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

Mipim boost for Birmingham Airport - The Business Desk

Low cost airline bmibaby is increasing the number of flights on its service between Birmingham Airport and Nice to accommodate the large number of delegates expected to head to the south of France for the annual MIPIM property conference next month.

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City will have major presence at MIPIM - Birmingham Post

Birmingham’s team at MIPIM will see more than 20 speakers involved in 14 events when they descend on the south of France next month for the annual property show.Low carbon schemes and how to ensure quality developments while keeping costs to a minimum will be the main focus of the city’s delegation which is being led by Business Birmingham – the inward investment arm of Marketing Birmingham.

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Birmingham reveals MIPIM programme - The Business Desk

Birmingham has unveiled its programme for next month’s MIPIM property event and announced it will not shy away from the future challenges faced by the development industry. Business Birmingham, the city’s new inward investment body, has published the events programme, which involves 14 events and over 20 speakers across the four-day property show, which takes place in Cannes between March 8-11.

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Birmingham MIPIM programme revealed - Insider Media

The Birmingham team heading to MIPIM next month has revealed its schedule for the event. The city will be leading debates and hosting showcases to raise its profile and demonstrate its delivery of low carbon schemes.

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A time to jolly well focus on marketing - Birmingham Post

This year, the region’s cities go to MIPIM without the support of the regional development agencies. The contingent is to be led, for the first time, by Business Birmingham, the new inward investment arm of Marketing Birmingham.

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A star sign of the times - Birmingham Post

Birmingham has seen an influx of budget and ‘limited service’ hotels, but a five star remains elusive. According to Marketing Birmingham, 23 new hotels are in the planning or development stages. The proposed investment by Sanguine at The Cube, Cumberland House on Broad Street and Kennedy Tower opposite Snow Hill, has also caused something of a stir.

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“Advanced engineering is a specific growth area for both Birmingham and India” - Economic Times India

Wouter Schuitemaker, Investment Director – Marketing, Business Birmingham talks about the importance of India as an attractive investor destination for Business Birmingham.

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The new scheme is set around St Martin’s Square and will create in the region of 1,000m² (11,500ft²) of restaurant units and enhancements to the landscaping and public realm. Work is scheduled to start on the extension later this spring and completion of Spiceal Street is anticipated for winter 2011.

Designed by Chapman Taylor the scheme comprises three new catering units (ranging from 325m² to 390m²), the extension of two existing units, a feature green wall, planting and a new water feature as part of the improved public realm.

The scheme will also enhance pedestrian links from St Martin’s Walk to St Martin’s Square. The report from the Council officers recommended approval and highlighted the ‘high quality design of the buildings and an enhanced focal point within the City core.’

Turley Associates supported Hammerson with the planning application.

Tim Walley, General Manager at Bullring, commented:

We are thrilled to have been granted approval for the Spiceal Street development and look forward to offering our shoppers a new dining experience and evening destination in the heart of the city centre. We envisage work will begin in the next few weeks as we look towards an opening date in winter 2011.

Bullring, which opened during 2003, is owned in a three-way joint venture between Hammerson, Henderson Global Investors and Future Fund. For further information about the Spiceal Street development please visit www.spicealstreet.co.uk.

Minister meets Birmingham tourism figures ahead of national strategy announcement

Senior figures from Birmingham’s tourism community today met with Tourism Minister John Penrose (pictured right), to discuss the city’s visitor economy and the contribution it makes to the UK’s tourism offer. As a leading events and conferencing destination, Birmingham is a key driver of the UK’s events industry contributing more than £6billion per annum and generating 100,000 jobs.

Marketing Birmingham, which operates Birmingham’s business and leisure tourism campaigns, Meet Birmingham and Visit Birmingham, hosted a roundtable discussion for the Minister and a representative group from the city’s visitor economy as part of a UK fact finding tour ahead of the Government’s launch of a national tourism strategy expected later this month.

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham, said:

In the week that both Visit Britain and Visit England announced cuts to their staffing levels and overseas presence, the importance of the contribution Birmingham can make to the national visitor economy has been brought into sharp focus.

Birmingham’s visitor and events offer is a key driver of the local and national tourism economy and contributes significantly to the UK’s GDP. Working with partners across the public and private sectors has allowed us to develop a strategy that works for the city and we are keen to work with the Minister to build on this success.

The city’s latest strategy to capitalise on its events and conferencing credentials to attract international visitors and further investment was also a key part of today’s discussions. The Minister lauded Marketing Birmingham’s drive to align its tourism strategies with its inward investment plans. Designed to attract investment and create jobs, the plans were seen as a major step forward and an example of how the public and private sector can work together to promote economic growth in UK cities.

Rami added:

Placing the promotion of the city as a tourism and investor destination within one organisation has allowed Marketing Birmingham to align its strategy and resources to effectively sell the city at home and abroad.

For example , bringing together one of the city’s investment priorities, low carbon, with our conferencing offer has already secured a global solar power conference for the city. It will ensure key industry figures from across the globe visit Birmingham and understand the investment opportunities here.

This represents a more joined-up approach to attracting investment and boosting the profile of the city and demonstrates how we can leverage the business tourism sector to benefit the wider economy.

The Government’s Minister for Tourism, John Penrose, said:

Birmingham’s location, leading event venues such as the NEC, and track record for delivering large, high profile events have ensured that it has established a reputation as one of Europe’s premier meeting places. This was a very productive and useful visit that helped me understand the strategy Birmingham is using to leverage its global reputation as an events city with visitors and investors alike. The close partnership working between the public and private sectors to achieve this is proving successful and provides an innovative model for other cities.

Neil Rami continued:

We welcomed the support of the Minister today and look forward to working closely with him ahead of the publication of the new national strategy for tourism.

Tourism Minister John Penrose with VisitBirmingham’s Lonely Planet iPhone app which helps visitors interactively explore the city. The app has had 24,000 downloads since its launch on Monday.

The beads, each only 3mm long, are the key to a technique being trialled at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in an attempt to improve the effectiveness of radiotherapy in treating a condition which killed more than 10,000 men in 2008.

The trial centres on the problem of accurately targeting the prostate with beams of radiation, a key element in treating certain types of prostate cancer. The prostate can move and rotate slightly between treatments, so before each session of radiotherapy, a patient undergoes scans to establish the co-ordinates for delivering the radiation.

But the prostate is difficult for those scanners to differentiate from surrounding organs, including the bladder and rectum. The new technique involves the implanting of the three golden beads into the prostate. The beads are much denser than the prostate and the surrounding tissue, so provide easily identifiable points of reference on CT scans. The trial programme is led by oncology consultants Daniel Ford and Anjali Zarkar, and has so far treated three patients.

Dr Zarkar said:

The trial has gone well so far, and ultimately we want this treatment to become the standard of care for prostate cancer. Funding is the key and we have had funding from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity to do the first 10 patients.

The process is a complex one, involving a team which includes specialist nurses and oncologists, as well as medical scientists and researchers. All three of the patients who have undergone the treatment so far were pleased with how it had gone. One explained how he was proud to help pioneer such an important treatment trial:

I’m one of the first to receive the implants, so I know it’s a bit of an unknown but my treatment has been superb and I’m glad to be part of such an important trial. The staff were superb: friendly, chatting about life but also very, very professional. We wanted the best treatment but it’s not just about the treatment; it’s about the follow-up and that has been superb.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) Charity funds equipment, research and training which is over and above that which the NHS provides and aims to make a difference to the lives of patients, visitors and staff at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB). To find out more please visit the QEHB Charity website.

Professor Helen Higson with Birmingham Science Park Aston MD Dr David Hardman at the BSEEN incubation centre.

The companies were part of BSEEN (Birmingham Skills for Enterprise and Employability Network) – a scheme to support employability and enterprise among recent graduates. These 36 new firms are the latest to receive support from BSEEN, which has invested over £1.2 million in incubating 90 fledgling businesses over the last 18 months, and supporting around 350 recent graduates and students develop their enterprise and entrepreneurship skills.

Professor Helen Higson, senior pro-vice chancellor at Aston University, said:

The Government has made it clear that it wants more people to think entrepreneurially and set up their own businesses to drive growth in the UK economy. Graduates will play a key role in this, bringing fresh new ideas and developing them into strong successful businesses.

It is important to offer incubator space to graduates as whilst they will have acquired great knowledge and skill sets during their courses, they can’t be expected to know everything. Having expert mentors on hand to guide them really does help these companies flourish and prosper.

The showcase last night was incredibly rewarding to attend, reminding me that we have consistently exceeded our targets for supporting our current and former students on their entrepreneurial journeys. I was pleased to see the diversity of businesses, ideas and passion within the group. I have no doubt there will be some will be the big hitters of the future amongst this latest cohort.

Aston University manages BSEEN, alongside partners University of Birmingham and Birmingham City University, and offers 6 months of free incubator access at Birmingham Science Park Aston – with training, mentoring, coaching and a business grant. It is funded through Birmingham City Council’s Working Neighbourhoods Fund.

Aston University was last week lauded for its management of the BSEEN project, scooping the ‘Midlands Enterprising University of the Year’ award at the Midland Business Awards on 28th January 2011, beating four other of the region’s top universities.

The unique Vehicle Engine Facility (VEF) is the UK’s only purpose built hybrid powertrain testing facility for the automotive sector that is not owned and operated by an individual automotive company.

The VEF facility will give businesses access to the state-of-the-art equipment and research support .

The new facility will use two dynamometers with the advanced “Texcel ” control system plus a Robot Driver to allow the testing of various hybrid powertrain designs. The two dynamometers are installed in parallel and can test electric motor,s gasoline, diesel, ethanol and Bio-fuels based internal combustion engines.

The VEF also includes a battery simulator and test station and full exhaust emissions measurement capability. The VEF will test transmission and powertrain systems, whilst simulating the powertrain components that are not available for test. These tests provide strategies for evaluating the optimisation of the vehicle’s powertrain and how it will operate in the real world.

Professor Lord Bhattacharyya, Director of WMG at the University of Warwick said:

We are delighted to be able to bring the Midlands a facility that will enable the British based manufacturing companies to engage in low carbon engineering, which will be vital in helping manufacturing companies improve products and compete on the world stage in low carbon technologies.”

Dr Ralf Speth, CEO Jaguar Land Rover added:

This new facility further strengthens WMG's applied research credentials and we look forward to benefitting from the work undertaken there, especially in the incredibly complex area of significantly reducing vehicle emissions. There is also real potential for further advances in knowledge coming from supplier involvement which in turn generates additional research and results."

Richard Guest, Managing Director of Froude Hofmann, who helped install the new facility, said:

We are proud to be part of this development which will provide Warwick with a facility that is in the forefront of global hybrid development technology. With many competing alternative-fuel and hybrid powertrain technologies now being developed internationally, this new facility allows Warwick to work with Tier 1 and Automotive OEM clients world-wide.”

Professor Paul Jennings from WMG said:

The VEF builds on the research work of WMG’s Hybrid Vehicle Research Group which, alongside its industrial partners, has created technical and cost modelling tools for hybrid vehicle development. These include WARPSTAR (WARwick Powertrain Simulation Tool for ARchitectures) which can be used to model the performance of any hybrid vehicle architecture, and is currently being enhanced to include real world driver behaviour.”

Inward investment, equity opportunities and municipal governance advice will all be issues top of the agenda this week as a high-level delegation from Birmingham City Council visits Abu Dhabi to meet with some of the Middle East’s leading political and economic figures.

Led by Council Leader, Mike Whitby, the small Birmingham team which includes Mark Barrow, Strategic Director of Development, is spending three days in the Emirate attending meetings with senior representatives from some of the regions’ largest sovereign wealth funds.

They are also continuing talks with the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA), about how Birmingham can continue to offer support in helping to set up and develop a local government structure across Abu Dhabi.

Since signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in October 2010, the City Council has already provided a number of consultancy services to the DMA, and will now discuss further opportunities for this work to be expanded. In particular they will be highlighting the skills available under the newly created Urban Design, a private city council owned commercial venture that could see significant revenue coming in to the city from services sold to the DMA.

Cllr Whitby, said:

For a global city like Birmingham developing commercial and cultural partnerships with the world’s leading economic powers is of the utmost importance if we are to grow and prosper in the future.

In this respect our partnership with Abu Dhabi is one of most important relationships Birmingham has cultivated in recent years, one which is strengthening by the day and is already leading directly to new opportunities emerging. We will be showcasing the aspirations we have for city owned land and helping to inject equity in to some of the development projects with planning permission that need it.

Not only are we gaining direct access to some of the world’s most sort after investors and business partners, at a very senior level, but thanks to the mutual understanding and respect which exists between people who are running large cities, we are already realising a number of commercial opportunities which bring money directly back in our local economy.

Birmingham’s MIPIM theme the ‘Economics of Sustainability’ driven home as PwC report concludes green agenda is ‘unavoidable’ for property industry

• Sustainability survives real estate industry downsizing
• Stronger lease and marketing potential for sustainable buildings
• Experts warn of legacy stock issues 
• ‘Economics of Sustainability’ message key to Birmingham’s presence at MIPIM

The green agenda has become “unavoidable” for the real estate industry, part and parcel of making ‘safe investment decisions’ in a shrinking industry, according to Emerging Trends in Real Estate® 2011, published by PwC and the Urban Land Institute (ULI).

Birmingham will be placing the issue at the heart of its activity during its presence at MIPIM, the world’s largest development conference, taking place in Cannes, France, 8-11 March.

The commercial real estate forecast, based on the opinions of 600 industry experts, predicts that 2011 will not be the turnaround year that the European real estate industry had hoped for, with a “two-speed” market likely to emerge that reflects a widening gap between investment hotspots and second-tier property markets. Respondents expect more industry downsizing across the continent.

In the face of this, sustainability will become directly connected with high quality real estate said the report. This marks a shift for 2011 and beyond, positioning sustainable buildings as healthier, more attractive, and more marketable. Meanwhile, the capital value of non-green buildings will fall in the future, the survey indicated.

Interviewees commented that sustainability had become “front and centre,” and “unavoidable.” Despite only representing 2% of the market, investors say “green is the new standard” in the report. It is the value that tenants now place on green buildings that is driving these changes. Tenants increasingly are looking for ways to drive operating costs lower and for energy-friendly buildings that reinforce their corporate social responsibility missions, people surveyed said.

While developers (particularly those in the residential sector), government organisations, shareholders, and occupiers are more keyed into sustainability, fund managers interviewed remain sceptical over the prospect of financial rewards from higher up front sustainable property costs. John Forbes, partner at PwC and one of the report’s authors, said:

In future years we may look back on 2011 as a transformational year for the property industry. Real estate professionals face a challenging time. Traditional sources of debt, for refinancing properties with vacancies or in need of refurbishment, will not be available, although new sources of lending are expected in the shape of sovereign wealth funds and insurance companies. A big theme will be the continued downsizing of the industry and the winners will be those who are best able to manage their assets, rather than those who make clever stock selections.

Malcolm Preston, partner, sustainability and climate change, PwC said:

Increasingly the investment decision is not based on environmental issues alone, it’s become an economically rational choice for businesses, when you consider the returns from energy efficiency driven by the green agenda.

Neil Rami, head of Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme, confirms that the ‘greening up’ of property stock is a growing issue for investors looking for property and development space;

Sustainability is a growing concern for investors – not only because recent Government legislation will demand it, but also because it plays an integral part in their long-term cost considerations. However, this has gone beyond being an issue solely for the property industry; cities planning their economic futures are now beginning to consider how their stock, both public and private-owned, supports the attraction of investment and jobs in a challenging global climate.

We are finding that the pressures on investors to deliver returns mean quality is king. In Birmingham, a strategy has been put in place to tackle the issue through its Big City Plan, which commits to becoming the first truly sustainable city in the UK with a low-carbon energy infrastructure by 2026. We are finding that this direct action to tackle the issue is proving attractive for expanding businesses keen to keep overheads at a minimum.

This focus is reflected in Birmingham’s theme for MIPIM, the world’s largest developer conference taking place in March. We are holding a string of events on the ‘Economics of Sustainability’, due to demand from our private sector partners. It is a subject we anticipate will gain momentum in the mainstream in the months to come.

Find out more about Business Birmingham's presence at: www.businessbirmingham.com/mipim

The stats, buoyed by the likes of Emirates’ ever-popular twice-daily service to Dubai, represents a fillip in what was acknowledged as one of the industry’s most turbulent years. During 2010, 720,000 people flew between the Midlands’ premier gateway and Asia, to cities including Islamabad, Dubai, Ashkhabad and Tehran.

These results reinforce the Airport’s knowledge that there is a considerable demand for flights to Asia from the Midlands and support the Company’s current strategy to secure direct flights to India.

Overall, the Airport handled 8,577,822 passengers in 2010, a fall of 5.8% compared to the previous year. This fall was a trend witnessed throughout the industry, largely down to a combination of factors including the current economic downturn, extreme weather and the unprecedented ash cloud in April.

Some 6,560,778 people used scheduled flights in 2010, 76.5% of the total figure. The top three scheduled destinations were Dublin, Dubai and Amsterdam, the same as in 2009.

Charter traffic accounted for 23.5% of the total figure with 2,017,044 people using these services last year. The top three charter destinations were Dalaman, Palma and Tenerife.

Paul Kehoe, the Airport’s CEO said:

We always envisaged that 2010 would be a challenging year for the aviation industry, however I don’t think that anyone could have foreseen the impact of the volcanic ash in April. This event alone cost the Airport £2m in lost revenue and had a significant impact on consumer confidence. This has been most apparent in the discretionary market, with passengers now choosing to stay at home rather than fly away for the weekend.

We also opened and finished the year with snow, which again had a significant impact on operations. With much of the UK and Europe affected by the inclement weather in December there was a huge operational challenge to overcome. 

He continues;

While there were many challenges during 2010 there were plenty of highlights too. We hosted The Pope’s farewell departure in September and launched an exciting new brand, which represents a change of identity and aims to grow loyalty from people living within our catchment. We want to embrace the fact that we can connect people to over 400 different places worldwide and want people to feel proud and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

Looking forward, we will launch our One Terminal project in May and, once operational, the new single terminal facility will offer a vastly improved passenger experience. With a larger centralised security search area, an enlarged meeting & greeting arrivals point, and an improved shopping and catering offer in both landside and airside areas, we would call on those who perhaps haven’t used Birmingham for some time to take another look.

The ambitious project located in Centenary Square Birmingham will connect the Library of Birmingham with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre to create a major new cultural destination opening in 2013.

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

Over a year into the construction process, we are at a hugely exciting point in the Library of Birmingham project. The building is progressing at a truly phenomenal rate and taking shape right before people’s eyes – whilst remaining on time and within budget. With the flythrough people can get a real sense of how our world-class new Library will look and feel inside and out. We want to provide a ‘people’s palace’ for people of all ages, offering the diverse communities across the city and beyond a library to truly be proud of. This flythrough further demonstrates our vision of transforming the city’s library and archives services, providing a culturally significant destination for the 21st century.

The Library of Birmingham ‘flythrough’ opens outside the building, showing its distinctive design featuring the trademark glass facade complete with intricate metal frieze. The viewer is then transported inside the library through the spacious front entrance and foyer, an area that will be connected to the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and used by thousands of visitors each day. The tour continues through the building’s lower ground floor, the new home of the children’s and music libraries, and into the outdoor amphitheatre space, which will host a wide variety of outdoor performances to be enjoyed by onlookers above in Centenary Square.

The journey progresses into the central rotunda at the heart of the building, featuring a breathtaking wall of books across two floors, and finishes with an external view of the ‘golden rotunda’ at the building’s summit, housing the magnificent wood-panelled Shakespeare Memorial Room from Birmingham’s Victorian library. The video also shows one of the library’s stunning outdoor terraces, whilst demonstrating how the building will be flooded with natural light.

The video provides the clearest vision yet of what the building will offer upon completion in 2013, and follows the first interior images which were released in December 2010.

Library of Birmingham Project Director Brian Gambles added:

The Library of Birmingham is being built for the people, and with anticipation rising as we edge closer to 2013, we are keen to keep the public informed as to the progress of the project. This flythrough video offers the first opportunity to take a preview of the completed building, and I am confident that the public will be impressed with the results.”

Francine Houben, of project architects Mecanoo, said:

The library’s interior rotunda spaces will form a rich sequence of experiences that reveal themselves one glimpse at a time. The video presentation will demonstrate this exciting journey of surprise and show you the home provided for Birmingham’s world class archives and heritage collections, and the state-of-the-art environment for study, reading and listening to music.

With a mission to transform public perceptions of libraries, new features in the Library of Birmingham will include a flexible studio theatre, a British Film Institute Mediatheque, and purpose-built, state-of-the-art exhibition space for Birmingham’s internationally significant archives and heritage collections.

According to property experts at Drivers Jonas Deloitte, at the year-end, rents for prime stock in Birmingham ranged from £22 to £27.50 per sq ft, but, on average, were £26 per sq ft. 

Yields on prime Grade A city centre offices ended the year at around six per cent but are not expected to change significantly during 2011. Likewise, prime industrial yields, which currently stand at 6.75 per cent, should also remain stable throughout the year.

In the retail sector, despite a fall in rents, yields saw little or no compression during 2010, with yields on prime retail space in Birmingham remaining at 5.25 per cent.

Speaking at Drivers Jonas Deloitte’s annual investment seminar in Birmingham, Edwin Bray, regional head of valuation, said Birmingham is in a good position to attract investors away from London.

In recent years, much of the cash pouring into the UK from overseas investors has centred on the capital, but with Birmingham presenting good opportunities for potential high yields and with funds and institutions beginning to refocus their attention on regional centres, during 2011 we expect to see more competition for prime investments.

Stock selection is critical and identifying the areas where there will be rental growth is key. For example, prime logistics, retail warehousing and prime High Street retail are all expected to perform best in terms of rental growth this year.

In 2010, international investors sought large, well let Grade A buildings in Birmingham city centre, as demonstrated by the sale of One Snowhill for £126m and, in July, the sale of the Brindleyplace estate for £190m. This year, however, whilst there are likely to be similar investment opportunities, property companies and cash rich private investors will be attracted to distressed assets by the relatively high yields and potential to add value through asset management.

According to Drivers Jonas Deloitte, total returns from UK property exceeded 14 per cent and there was a healthy uplift in transaction volumes partly stimulated by the significant cash inflows into institutions during the early months of 2010.

Howard Richards, head of investment at Drivers Jonas Deloitte, who also spoke at the seminar, said he expected good property to still have a strong following among funds and overseas investors in 2011.

We are optimistic that UK property will deliver a respectable performance in 2011 and believe returns of eight per cent are in prospect, providing the economic recovery is not derailed during the year,

he added.

However, Anthony Duggan, head of research at Drivers Jonas Deloitte, was more cautious.

He said that while the better quality product is likely to continue attracting interest from both occupiers and investors and is where rental and capital value growth will be found, there would be further price falls for parts of the UK market.

There are secondary units that are likely to remain un-saleable, un-lettable and over-rented for some time,

he said.

We do not expect widespread rental growth but this year will create the platform for growth in 2012/13.  With very little construction delivering new space to the market, the oversupply constraining rents will be further eroded. 

Construction levels are much lower than previous cycles so we expect rents to recover quicker than seen in past downturns.

The scientists have shown that they are able to hide an object that is much bigger than those cloaked by other research groups. Previous studies have demonstrated cloaking by using a metamaterial - a fabricated composite with optical properties not found in nature - which limits the size of the cloaking region, while the team from UK and Denmark have used a natural crystal called calcite, which has enabled them to hide a larger object.

Calcite is a transparent mineral with birefringent or double-refraction properties, which means that light enters the calcite and splits into two rays of different polarizations travelling at different speeds and in different directions.

The team has been able to cloak larger objects because it has employed a cloaking design that did not require inhomogeneous material properties, as all the previous works did. This demonstration was performed, both in the air and in a container of liquid, by using two triangular pieces of calcite glued together, placed on a mirror. The size of the cloaking area is not limited by the technology available, only by the size of the calcite crystal.

Dr Shuang Zhang, lead investigator from the University of Birmingham’s School of Physics and Astronomy, said:

This is a huge step forward as, for the first time, the cloaking area is rendered at a size that is big enough for the observer to ‘see’ the invisible object with the naked eye.

By using natural crystals for the first time, rather than artificial meta-materials, we have been able to scale up the size of the cloak and can hide larger objects, thousands of times bigger than the wavelength of the light.

He continues:

Previous cloaks have succeeded at the micron level (much smaller than the thickness of a human hair) using a nano- or micro-fabricated artificial composite material. It is a very slow process to make these structures and they also restrict the size of the cloaking area. We believe that by using calcite, we can start to develop a cloak of significant size that will open avenues for future applications of cloaking devices.

Investors will be encouraged by the 2010 occupancy results for Birmingham’s hotel sector, which indicate healthy occupancy levels in comparison to other UK cities. 

Birmingham’s hoteliers finished 2010 in positive fashion with revenue per available room (revPAR) up 6.1 per cent on the previous year, according to business advisory firm Deloitte.

Hotel performance figures for the year-end 2010 show revPAR in Birmingham increased from £37 in 2009 to £39. The average daily rate for hotel rooms also showed signs of improvement, increasing from £58 to £59 year on year.

Compared to some UK cities, which saw occupancy levels drop during 2010, occupancy in Birmingham increased by 3.9 per cent, from 63.5 to 66.

Alistair Pritchard, tourism, hospitality and leisure partner at Deloitte in Birmingham, said:

Despite a challenging end to the year, caused by one of the harshest winters on record, the city’s hotels still managed to put in a good performance.

However, according to Mr Pritchard, the outlook for 2011 is more challenging for the city’s hoteliers.   
 

With future demand for hotel rooms in London and the regions beginning to weaken, caution may well be the buzz word for next year,

he added.

With GDP expected to rise by just 1.3 per cent this year, the increase in VAT to 20 per cent and more challenging operating conditions for retailers, the hotel industry faces another difficult 12 months.  

On the positive side, however, revPAR is expected to grow by 4.4 per cent in the regional market in 2011.

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham believes the city’s strategic targeting of major events is working.

The hotel sector is a major contributor to Birmingham’s visitor economy, worth £168 million annually.  

It received a boost in 2010 largely due to a series of major events - 66,000 delegates were brought to into the city for IPEX, the Liberal Democrat and Conservative Party conferences, contributing to the stand-out figures for March, May and October.

In response to Mr Pritchard’s cautionary note for 2011, Mr Rami believes the confidence investors are showing in the hotel sector underlines the long term opportunities for the city’s hospitality industry.

In 2011, the city’s hotel sector is continuing to attract investment with 23 new hotels currently in the planning or development stages, including the Sanguine developments at The Cube, Cumberland House and Kennedy Tower.  

The visitor economy will continue to operate within a challenging environment in 2011, but our data shows that the city has the confidence and long term support of developers and investors who recognise that Birmingham has the visitor strategy in place to deliver a return on their investments.

Paul Kehoe, Chairman of Marketing Birmingham and Chief Executive of Birmingham Airport considers the city’s hotel sector performance within its international context.

These figures demonstrate the importance of Marketing Birmingham’s ongoing sales and marketing programme for the attraction of national and international events and conferences.  

The city’s capacity for hosting large numbers of delegates is a key sales tool when targeting new air routes, and is an effective method of bringing influential business figures to Birmingham and boosting its profile to investors.

The strength of the hotel sector is a vital component of Birmingham’s proposition to leisure and business visitors, and the strong performance of hoteliers bodes well for the health of the wider visitor economy, which is worth £4.4bn annually to the city.

Business Birmingham looks at the 21st century phenomenon of shared services, which has revolutionised how businesses manage their operations, and puts forward its case for why the city can offer a unique proposition to investors in the sector.

Technology has created an untold number of opportunities for business in the past 30 years – from snail mail to email from meetings to messaging, technology has changed the way we do business.

Changes in how we communicate impacted on how organisation’s manage the internal and external processes, which allied with increasing drives for efficiency, led to the rise of the shared service sector.

These business support hubs, named Shared Service Centres (SSC), house non-core business processes including HR, customer services, procurement, finance and accounting. Their success not only in delivering financial, but operational efficiencies have seen their proliferation across the spectrum, as large corporations and SMEs alike capitalise on the potential to streamline their support operations, removing the need for multiple offices replicating the same functions, and cutting costs and resources in the process.

Location, location, location

When assessing where to locate a new SSC, there are a number of factors for organisations to consider including:

• the location’s available talent pool, to ensure the right calibre of staff;
• geographical location, to ensure it can remain part of the organisation’s global network;
• business and peer networks, to provide professional support and growth opportunities;
• technological expertise, to deal with the off-site location and communications challenges,
• size and scale, to ensure the area can absorb the operation.

The volume of business critical data being processed in SSCs creates a highly pressurised hub, which requires highly skilled staff if the operation is to be efficient and deliver the necessary financial and operational benefits. The calibre of staff used to resource the centre is vital for success.

Over 50 large corporations and smaller businesses have located their Shared Services Centres in the Midlands, in part due to the high quality of the region’s staff. McDonald’s, the world’s largest chain of fast food restaurants, has a SSC just outside Birmingham, while two of the largest professional services in the UK, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young, have established centres in Birmingham’s business district.

So why did they choose to locate in Birmingham?

Firstly, and at the heart of the decision, is the availability of a highly-skilled workforce. Birmingham provides access to over 40,000 graduates every year from its three universities, including Aston University - which regularly finds itself in the top 10 UK league table for ‘employment ready’ graduates, and the University of Birmingham - which is famed for its international research credentials and expertise in technology and innovation, including cloud computing, a major force in the shared services industry. Birmingham’s position as one of the most diverse cities in Europe with an international and multi-lingual labour force is also a key draw to an industry that provides support to countries across the globe.

Placed in the heart of the UK and Europe, Birmingham is served by fast international and national transport links that allow it to host a global SSC base. With direct flights to long-haul destinations such as the US and short-haul across Europe and the Middle East, Birmingham is an international location. Across the UK, businesses can connect through its three train stations, including New Street Station, the busiest in the UK, while 98% of the population can be reached within four hours on the country’s road network.

With its strong talent pool, central European and UK location, size, scale and technological expertise, Birmingham is fast becoming the shared service sector’s location of choice.

Network

Recognising its unique offer, Birmingham is now cultivating a strong support network within the region’s shared services sector, designed to further develop the skills, technology and knowledge sharing of local industry experts.

Business Birmingham recently launched a Shared Services Networking Forum for the Midlands, acknowledging the importance of a local network of experts on hand to support a company looking to locate a SSC to a new city. The Forum, which includes representatives from international companies with local SSCs including Lafarge, Deutsche Bank and Adecco, provides strategic advice on issues such as human resources, employee relocation, sector data as well as providing an essential platform for local knowledge sharing and networking.

If you would like to learn more about locating a SSC in Birmingham, or already work within the local industry, Business Birmingham is keen to speak with you. The Shared Services Networking Forum will continue to meet in 2011. If you are interested in joining, please contact us.

Investment Director Wouter Schuitemaker will be attending the European Summit on Finance Shared Services and Outsourcing 2011 in London this March, and will be meeting with industry representatives. If you are a delegate at the Summit, or would like to speak with Wouter on a specific SSC inquiry, please contact him via email: wouter.schuitemaker@marketingbirmingham.com.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

Business Birmingham gears up for MIPIM 2011 - The Business Desk

Nineteen private sector partners will be part of a delegation heading to southern France next month to showcase the best of the Birmingham property industry... This is the first time Business Birmingham, the city's new inward investment programme, will manage the presence at MIPIM.

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Business Birmingham takes MIPIM lead – Insider Media

Business Birmingham will lead the city’s bid for investment at the MIPIM conference in Cannes next month, it has been revealed. The organisation will be joined by the city council and 19 private sector partners at the week-long property show. Comment by Ian Taylor, Business Birmingham’s commercial director.

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Business Birmingham to showcase city’s sustainable edge at MIPIM - Midlands Business News

Business Birmingham have announced plans to promote the city as an investment destination at MIPIM, the world's largest property show, in Cannes, France from 8-11 March.

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A year in business: first birthday for Thebusinessdesk.com – Thebusinessdesk.com

Thebusinessdesk.com is one year old today – and is celebrating by expanding its groundbreaking service yet again... commentary by Neil Rami, chief executive of Marketing Birmingham

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Rail jobs promise welcomed – Birmingham Mail

The £18 billion London to Birmingham high-speed rail link has won vital new backing following the Government’s pledge of 8,000 jobs for Birmingham. Commentary from Neil Rami, chief executive of Marketing Birmingham.

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Top stories: high speed rail project wins crucial backing – Birmingham Mail

The £18 billion London to Birmingham high-speed rail link has won vital new backing following the Government’s pledge of 8,000 jobs for Birmingham. Commentary from Neil Rami, chief executive of Marketing Birmingham.

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City’s MIPIM team is ‘larger than ever’ – Birmingham Post

Team Birmingham at this year’s MIPIM property show in the south of France will be bigger than ever with 19 companies signed up to take part.

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MIPIM the place to realise global city aspirations - The Business Desk

Worldwide property conference MIPIM could this year provide the platform to enhance Birmingham’s bid to become a global city. The city’s new inward investment agency Business Birmingham is leading a delegation of private sector partners...

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Britannia rules the MIPIM waves - PR Newswire

The 22nd edition of MIPIM, the world's foremost real estate market, shines the spotlight on the British property industry by naming the United Kingdom as its Country of Honour.

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High Speed station site to be temporary events venue - Birmingham Post

The site of the proposed high speed rail station in Birmingham is being marketed as an ideal temporary outdoor events space for potential businesses.Comment by Neil Rami.

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Birmingham hotel revpar up 6% on back of conferences, says Deloitte

Conference News Birmingham’s hoteliers finished 2010 in positive fashion with revenue per available room (revPAR) up six per cent on the previous year, according to business advisory firm Deloitte. Quote from Neil Rami, Marketing Birmingham cited

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A €1.7m research grant has been awarded to an Aston University engineering professor in recognition of his current and continued advancement of nonlinear photonic technologies.

Professor Sergei Turitsyn has received the highly prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Investigator Grant for the development of new generations of fibre lasers.

The ERC Advance Grant supports pioneering frontier research projects. They are awarded to exceptional and established research leaders in the fields of science, engineering and scholarship to pursue frontier research of their choice. Applicants are expected to have a track-record of significant research achievements in the last 10 years and wish to pursue ground-breaking, high-risk research that opens new directions in their respective research fields or other domains.

In December, work on random fibre lasers led by Prof Turitsyn was named by Optics & Photonics News magazine as one of two top world achievements in laser science in 2010. Prof. Turitsyn also led a team which created the world’s longest laser at 270km in 2009.

The €1.7m award will fund new research posts and PhD opportunities in the Photonics Research Group at Aston University to increasingly push ultra-long fibre and random laser technologies. Research will focus on the development of foundations for new generation fibre lasers for telecommunication and sensing applications and new approaches to secure communications.

Prof Turitsyn, said;

Despite extraordinary advances in laser science, only recently have the fundamental limits of lasers become an area of exploration. I’m delighted and honoured to have received this funding, which will truly help to develop a radical new outlook for ‘next generation’ photonics. Random fibre lasers offer a new platform for laser devices and applications. We believe that new fundamental science as well as new applications and technologies, in particular for long-haul telecommunications and sensing, will emerge from the further development of the concept.

Prof Turitsyn’s latest success follows on from his Marie Curie funding award through the International Research Staff Exchange scheme under the Framework Seven Programme (FP7). This will involve Aston researchers working alongside research centres of excellence in Germany, Finland, Russia, Belgium and Ukraine.

Professor Julia King, Vice Chancellor of Aston University, said;

This is an extremely prestigious award, which will provide Aston researchers and our international collaborators with unparalleled access to advanced photonic knowledge, technologies, facilities and infrastructure. This award recognises Sergei’s outstanding achievements in photonics and his commitment to world leading research at Aston.

Professor Robert Berry, Executive Dean of Engineering and Applied Science at Aston University, said;

I congratulate Sergei on this fantastic achievement. I believe this grant will develop new fundamental science, which will undoubtedly see new applications and technologies emerge. It will strengthen Aston’s Photonics Research Group’s position as a centre of international research excellence.

Wouter Schuitemaker recently joined Business Birmingham, the city’s new inward investment programme, as Investment Director.

Previously Head of Asia Pacific for Think London, the capital’s inward investment agency, Wouter works with investors to identify opportunities for them to locate and grow in Birmingham. Here Wouter welcomes readers to the first Business Birmingham Bulletin - bi-monthly essential reading for those interested in the city as an investment and business hub:

Birmingham is ready to do the business for your business. Home to world class companies, cutting edge R&D facilities, innovative entrepreneurs and renowned universities, Birmingham is a city of real creativity that delivers the ideas, entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic needed for business success.

With access to over 40,000 highly skilled graduates every year alongside the ground breaking advances of its universities, a well connected central UK location and the scale and size to service the largest of business functions, Birmingham is a city with much to offer.

Business Birmingham is the city’s inward investment programme and your link to establishing a presence in a welcoming, enterprising location that delivers. By working as a local partner and consultant with your internal project team, Business Birmingham can provide a comprehensive package of support to your organisation.

This tailored service helps you to access valuable intelligence and research on your sector and tap into the city’s networks to make them work for you. Whatever your size and whatever your plans for growth – Business Birmingham is there to support you.

Locating and growing your business in Birmingham however is about more than the initial set up – it’s the ongoing support that really helps you grow and succeed. Business Birmingham, working with the city’s wider business community, is committed to providing newcomers with the network and peer relationships they need to establish a strong and sustained presence in the city through personal introductions and bespoke events. We believe no other city can provide the strength of local networks to your business that Birmingham can.

We also realise that relocation affects not only your company but crucially, your staff. We value them as a vital asset, and information on housing, schooling, healthcare and more are on hand to help their transition. It is a move countless businesses and their employees have already enjoyed, and we hope to assist many more into our city in the coming months.

If you are looking to invest in Birmingham or if you are already based here and have expansion plans, please get in touch for a well informed, confidential discussion about your needs and how we can help.

Leading public services provider Amey has acquired 100 per cent equity in Transportation Planning (International) Ltd (TPi) – its third acquisition within one year. Amey has acquired the transportation planning and traffic engineering consultancy to optimise delivery of its strategic transport schemes across the UK.

Through the agreement, Amey will strengthen its capability in transport planning, transport modelling and traffic engineering. It will also secure transport consultancy contracts across the UK, for key clients in Central and Local Government as well as for the private sector.

All of TPi’s professionals will join Amey’s consultancy business, taking staff in the division to 2,300 – a 10-fold increase in six years. It comes after Amey was named ACE/NCE Major Consultant of the Year 2010.

Mel Ewell, Chief Executive of Amey said:

With transport budgets under increasing pressure, it has never been more important for Amey to deliver value throughout the life cycle of our projects. Transport schemes are central to improving the prosperity of local economies. By acquiring this highly respected consultancy, Amey is investing in some of the best professionals from within industry who will deliver the best long-term solutions for our customers.

Alan Bailes, Managing Director of Transportation Planning (International) Ltd, said:

Amey has identified a clear business case for combining its own experience in delivering complex transport schemes, with our expertise in undertaking specialist transport planning and traffic engineering projects.

Both Amey and TPi believe that integrating the two businesses will deliver the best results for all parties including our clients.

It follows Amey’s acquisition of the national rail consultancy of WYG (formerly White Young Green) in June 2010, when Amey acquired 100 additional skilled professionals as well as a series of key contracts across the country. In addition, Amey and its joint venture partner Cespa (AmeyCespa), both wholly owned subsidiaries of Ferrovial, acquired the waste management business Donarbon. The company is delivering a 28-year, £730 million waste management PFI contract in Cambridgeshire for Cambridgeshire County Council. It also has a wide range of waste treatment facilities.

In total more than 8,000 jobs are now expected to be created by the HS2 plans, through both direct employment in constructing and operating the network, and the wider economic benefits it will bring to the region.

Birmingham City Council is also continuing to lobby for the national engineering and maintenance depots to be based in the city, which would bring hundreds more jobs. The Chancellor’s visit comes ahead of the launch on February 28th of formal public consultation on the overall scheme, which will run to July 2011.

Greeting the Chancellor at Curzon Street Station, the proposed site of the Birmingham City Centre HS2 terminus, Councillor Mike Whitby, the regional High speed Rail champion said:

Birmingham City Council was an early and influential backer of the HS2 proposals, which as these figures released today prove, will bring significant economic benefits to the city, region and wider national economy. As the Chancellor has said today this is a project that is of national importance. 

For Birmingham, High Speed Rail will be transformational. The economic impact alone will be formidable – conservatively estimated to be around £1.2bn – whilst the reputational enhancement will also be considerable.

There is no doubt High Speed Rail will drive business growth for Birmingham by providing increased connections to other businesses and markets. It will be a vital weapon in our arsenal as we look to compete with Europe’s leading cities, many of which already benefit from similar infrastructure.

High Speed Rail represents a significant step-change in the nation’s transport infrastructure, and I am delighted that this journey will begin with a route between Birmingham and London.

Birmingham is committed to working closely in partnership with government to develop and move forward with High Speed Rail”.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

City marketing boss hails Chancellor's 8,000 job claim over HS2 - Birmingham Post

Birmingham’s marketing boss has hailed the Chancellor’s claim that the proposed high speed rail link through Birmingham could create up to 8,000 new jobs. Neil Rami, chief executive of Marketing Birmingham - which also oversees the city’s inward investment arm - said the city must now rise to the challenges that the new project presented.

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HS2 will give Birmingham 'competitive edge' – Insider Media

Comment from Neil Rami on the benefits of High Speed 2 for the city.

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Business and civic leaders welcome HS2 jobs pledge – The Business Desk

Business and civic leaders have welcomed the announcement by Chancellor George Osborne that thousands of jobs are to be created in Birmingham with the development of the new HS2 rail link. Quote from Neil Rami on the benefits of the scheme for the city.

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Right on Time - Midlands Business Insider (West)

Birmingham’s strategy is coming together when it’s needed most. But will it deliver? Comment by Neil Rami, chief executive of Marketing Birmingham, which leads on Business Birmingham.

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Companies take on local role at Mipim – Building Design Online

Councils are looking to private firms including architects to bankroll their presence at this year’s Mipim property fair in the south of France. Birmingham City Council, which spent £200,000 at Mipim in 2009, has devolved responsibility for the show to Business Birmingham.

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Japanese auto supply firm aiming to create 80 jobs in Birmingham – Birmingham Post

A Japanese-owned automotive supply firm is investing more than £3 million to open a new facility in Birmingham with plans to create up to 80 skilled jobs. Comment by Wouter Schuitemaker, investment director for Business Birmingham, complementing Thursday’s article in Birmingham Post.

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Birmingham’s excellence in the field of clinical trials receives a further boost as a new £20 million trauma centre is announced.

A £20 million trauma care collaboration between the University of Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust, the Department of Health and the Ministry of Defence has been announced.

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Centre for Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology brings together military and trauma surgeons and scientists to share their medical research expertise to boost trauma care delivery at the earliest stages of injury.

This ground-breaking centre has been pioneered by University of Birmingham scientists and is the first and only research centre of its kind in the UK to focus on military and civilian care and treatment.

Housed in state-of-the-art facilities at Birmingham’s recently opened new Queen Elizabeth hospital - where all returning injured UK military personnel are treated – the centre will receive combined funding of £20 million which will include £5 million from UHBFT and UoB over five years.

University of Birmingham Provost and Vice-Principal Professor Michael Sheppard commented:

The University is delighted to be a key partner in this ground-breaking initiative to improve and enhance clinical and scientific capability in trauma care.

We expect the NIHR centre to provide an unrivalled research environment to improve the treatment of military and civilian trauma patients during the next five years. This will, in part, be achieved by applying the latest microbiological and immunological techniques to improve our understanding, diagnosis and management of trauma-related infection.

Microbiology research at the centre is supported by the University’s high-throughput sequencing capability funded via Birmingham Science City. This has the potential to replace existing laboratory methods and will bring fresh insight into the epidemiology and pathogenesis of wound infection.

The above techniques will be complimented by the University’s world-leading expertise in clinical trials. The Birmingham Centre for Clinical Trials manages more than 100 clinical trials per year, generating around £15 million.

Read more about the developing clinical trials sector in Birmingham.

Rolls Royce, GlaxoSmithKline and IBM, were among the leading businesses surveyed by High Flyers Research, with Aston ranked 17th overall. The survey, now in its 15th year, suggests a more optimistic jobs market for graduates with nine per cent more vacancies overall than last year. The top 100 employers are also expecting to increase their graduate recruitment by 9.4% in 2011. The report also highlights that one third of top graduate employers expect to hire graduates who have already worked for them via placements, sandwich courses or internships.

Helen Higson, Senior Pro Vice Chancellor at Aston University welcomed the survey’s findings. She said;

For over 40 years Aston has passionately believed in the value of placement years, sandwich courses and year abroad programmes. We currently have 60% of our students enrolled on these degrees, the highest of any UK university. We know that year after year our placement students are offered graduate jobs by their placement employer and this influential report confirms that fact.

The fact that Aston features in the top 20 of this survey again is especially pleasing because it is not weighted according to size. Aston has around 2,500 graduates each year compared to over 4,000 at the vast majority of other Universities in the UK. We may be small but we clearly have a big reputation. Over 150 companies and organisations visited our campus last term alone to recruit our graduates and placement students”.

Aston’s graduates are consistently among the most employable in the UK. Nearly 82% of its 2009 graduates found graduate-level employment against a national average of less than 70%* (*Higher Education Careers Service Unit report).

The Sunday Times University Guide 2011 ranks Aston University10th out of all UK Universities for its graduate-level employment success over the last 3 years. These are defined by the government as those careers which are professional in nature and/or where a degree was a necessary or preferred requirement for the role.

Aston is supporting a number of regional and national initiatives to help maintain its reputation for graduate employment success. Aston students and graduates needing any help and support are welcome to make full use of the Aston University Careers and Employability Centre.

Birmingham and the West Midlands top the UK economic performance rankings for December with manufacturing sector named by Lloyds TSB Commercial as key driving force.

Businesses in Birmingham and the West Midlands have enjoyed a strong finish to 2010 according to the Lloyds TSB West Midlands Business Activity Index, which measures the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors.

The index climbed from 54.5 to 56.8 in December, its highest level since May and the best reading of all twelve UK regions.

Output growth was supported by a sharper rise in new business and a further depletion of backlogs of work.

Employment continued to rise, with the pace of job creation accelerating to a six-month high. However, there was evidence of growing pressure on firms’ operating margins, as input prices increased at a steeper rate while output price inflation eased.

West Midlands companies indicated another marked expansion of business activity during December. Growth was broad-based across both the manufacturing and service sectors, with the former posting the sharper increase. Rising output levels in the region have been recorded throughout the past one-and-a-half years.

Higher activity was underpinned by a further rise in levels of incoming new business at West Midlands companies. Growth of new work quickened to an eight-month high, with panellists commenting on improved economic conditions and rising confidence among clients.

Encouraged by positive trends in activity and new business, West Midlands firms added to their staffing levels at a sharper rate in December. Job creation picked up to a solid pace that was the fastest since June. Growth of headcounts remained stronger in the manufacturing sector than in services.

Higher employment and spare capacity at firms contributed to a further reduction in backlogs of work during December. However, the rate of decline eased to only a modest pace that was the weakest since June.

Increases in fuel, raw material and labour costs were identified by panellists as the main factors underlying a marked rise in input costs at West Midlands companies during December. The rate of cost inflation jumped to a seven-month high. In contrast, output charges increased at a weaker rate than in November.

Commenting on the Lloyds TSB West Midlands PMI survey, Dave Garbutt, area director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in the West Midlands, said:

Strong manufacturing-led growth powered the West Midlands to the top of the UK regional performance rankings in December. Encouragingly, private sector employment rose at the fastest pace since June, providing a boost to the labour market at a time when public sector jobs are under real pressure. However, cost inflation picked up sharply in the latest month and poses a threat to company profitability, as strong competitive pressures continue to bear down on firms’ pricing power.

The University of Warwick has been awarded £10 million to set up a new training centre to drive innovation.

WMG at the University of Warwick has been awarded one of five new Industrial Doctorate Centres announced today by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). EPSRC are funding five new Industrial Doctorate Centres to address fundamental engineering challenges in advanced manufacturing engineering. The WMG centre will focus on High Value, Low Environmental Impact Manufacturing.

The new Centres will train Engineering Doctorate (EngD) students. These four-year postgraduate awards are intended for the UK’s leading researchers pursuing a career in industry. It provides postgraduate engineers with an intensive, broad-based research programme incorporating a taught component relevant to the needs of, and undertaken in partnership with, industry. It is a radical alternative to the traditional PhD, being better suited to the needs of industry and providing a more vocationally orientated doctorate degree, with the student spending a significant proportion of their time working in a company.

Each centre will support a cohort of at least 6 to 10 doctorate students per year for 4 years. The centres will provide an experience that will ensure these students are very well placed to become the industrial research leaders of tomorrow. In the case of WMG at the University of Warwick its core support from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council combined with industry, totals £10m, enabling initial cohorts of 10 participants an annum that will rapidly expand to a level of 30 new participants an annum.

WMG Director Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya said :

Our vision is to produce a new generation of manufacturing leaders with the high-level know-how and research experience essential to compete in a global manufacturing environment defined by high impact and low carbon. They will be adept at working in multidisciplinary teams and exceptionally well networked internationally, and with demonstrable entrepreneurial flair. The WMG based Centre will address industrially challenging issues that enable companies to develop and implement effective low-environmental impact technology and policies that also benefit the ‘bottom line’.

WMG will provide students with unrivalled access to industrial, international, academic, policy maker and political networks. At the core of WMG the Centre will be individual doctoral research projects based on real opportunities and problems in industry, which will deliver research excellence and innovations in industry. Multidisciplinary team working is built in to the WMG programme. Entrepreneurship will also be stressed as the Warwick research students will work together in a group project to take a “product” to market, part of a programme which will see them concurrently gaining a Masters degree in Technology Entrepreneurship. Participants will also benefit from time spent at one of WMG's international partners."

The five industrially-led research centres announced at the University of Warwick, Strathclyde, Swansea, Sheffield, and Nottingham, will address topical advanced manufacturing technologies, and are based in university departments with a strong track record of working in partnership with industry. EPSRC provides part of the costs for each training centre with the remainder coming from a mix of university and industry funding.

Warwick’s major partner is Jaguar Land Rover, but many other leading organisations are involved in the WMG Centre including IBM, the Motorsport Industry Association, Nikon, Oleo, PTC, RDM, Siemens and Tata Steel.

WMG Fact File

WMG, formerly the Warwick Manufacturing Group, is an academic department at the University of Warwick, founded by Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya in 1980 to reinvigorate UK manufacturing. The group has grown into a global force, with over 300 full-time staff and 150 associates, and aims to improve competitiveness through the application of innovation, new technologies and skills deployment.

WMG are dedicated to developing innovative research projects and sharing knowledge with a wide range of businesses and individuals through collaboration, knowledge transfer schemes, PhD supervision, postgraduate study and bespoke executive training. The group’s research teams comprise staff from both academic and industrial backgrounds with a range of specialities including engineers, physical scientists, mathematicians, IT specialists and knowledge transfer experts.

WMG run teaching and research centres in Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, underlining its status as a truly international organisation. The group provide expert advice to many overseas governments and companies and have strong links overseas with a valuable understanding of local markets and industries.

Business leaders in the West Midlands foresee a positive year ahead, according to its first ever ‘State of the Region’ survey.

• 97 per cent of business people believe that the region is a good place to do business
• 82 per cent are as confident or more confident in the UK’s economy than 12 months ago
• The biggest challenge in 2011 is the impact of public sector spending cuts

The West Midlands region continues to present itself as an excellent place to do business, according to findings from its first ever ‘State of the Region’ survey.

The poll, run by TheBusinessDesk.com in association with the law firm DLA Piper, illustrates that an overwhelming 97 per cent of business people are positive about the opportunities that Birmingham and the West Midlands area have to offer over the next twelve months.

Members of the region’s business community participated in the survey, which provides an insight into how they think the West Midlands will fare in 2011. Many anticipate a rosy economic picture and express confidence that both revenues and staff numbers will increase, with 61 per cent expecting to see a growth in their business in the New Year and 43 per cent foreseeing an expanding payroll.

Russell Orme, Managing Partner at DLA Piper Birmingham, said:

The region has some exceptionally talented and dynamic personalities among its business leaders and strong business forums who can make a real difference – that is if they forge a single spearhead approach.

While over two thirds (68%) of the West Midlands business community expect their firm to be directly affected by public sector cuts, more than half (59%) believe that the reduction in spending is necessary to stabilise the national economy.

Orme adds:

The business community accepts that these are challenging times, but 2011 is not a year for standing still. Businesses have been adopting innovative approaches and have been forced to scrutinise their strategies and strengths as well as their weaknesses. As a result of this many have developed a more robust and sustainable business model for the future.

Neil Rami, Head of Business Birmingham reflects on the city’s new approach to inward investment during 2010 and its plans to make Birmingham the most attractive city in Europe in which to do business.

Foreign direct investment is hugely important to the UK economy, particularly at this time of economic uncertainty. This year Birmingham unveiled a new approach to attracting FDI with an ambitious global investment strategy that aims to create 7,000 new jobs by 2015 and ensure that Birmingham becomes the most attractive city in Europe to do business.

The strategy builds on insight gained from research conducted earlier this year by global location specialist IBM-PLI and will be delivered under the banner of “Business Birmingham”, a dedicated sales and marketing function led by newly appointed Investment Director for the city, Wouter Schuitemaker, previously of Think London, the capital’s inward investment agency, and a team of highly-skilled investment specialists.

The new investment strategy has been developed alongside Birmingham’s recently announced 20-year “Big City Plan”, which provides investors with an outline of the city’s changing landscape - ensuring that the city’s future business growth is closely aligned to its development. This is the first time the city has officially linked the two strategies.

In the last year we have noticed an upturn in foreign investment in Birmingham with companies like Deutsche Bank, Hines and Santander continuing to invest here. Building on these endorsements of the city’s proposition Business Birmingham has already drawn enquiries and scoping visits from representatives across all major continents, including a delegation of over 100 Indian businesses.

Over the next year Birmingham will be building on its proposition with major investments in its connectivity to the capital, providing another crucial links to international markets. For example, Chiltern Railways is spending £250m on the ‘Chiltern Mainline’, which will see journey times between the two cities reduced by 20 per cent.

A further £750m is being invested in the redevelopment of the New Street Gateway will also transform the UK’s busiest train station while the Midland Metro extension which will improve connections within the city centre projects. It would be difficult to find another regional UK city taking such radical steps to maximise its transport infrastructure - and this is before longer term proposals for the UK’s second high speed rail route, which will further improve Birmingham’s links to London, are considered.

We have ambitious and exciting plans for Birmingham – our talent, connectivity, infrastructure, scale, innovative business community and energy are big draws for investors and we intend to make sure they know all about them.

To complete a busy few months for Business Birmingham, the team welcomed a party of Indonesian delegates to Birmingham to showcase its potential as an investment destination.

Members from the Regional Investment Board of South Sumatera Province and the Investment Coordinating Board of the Republic of Indonesia (BKPM), whose roles are to boost domestic and foreign direct investment, came to Birmingham as part of a four-day stay in the UK. The delegates visited the city to learn about its sector strengths and business environment, as well as its recently launched inward investment programme, Business Birmingham.

Indonesia, with the fourth highest population in the world, has a prosperous economy which continues to defy the current global financial crisis, with many of its key businesses now looking at growth options. Indonesia is also one of UK Trade & Investment’s (UKTI) seventeen High Growth Markets – with UK exports to Indonesia totalling £350 million in 2009, there is a significant opportunity for the UK to increase its trading relationship with this prosperous country.

Neil Rami, head of Business Birmingham, commented:

Indonesia is a country with a growing economy in a fluctuating global marketplace. There is now clear potential for its business investors to look abroad for strong markets in which they can expand. Asia is a key target for our inward investment drive and our meeting with the delegation helped us to understand their market, its needs and to develop relationships that may benefit Birmingham in the future.

Since its launch in October, Business Birmingham has focused on attracting investment from key markets, hosting the India SME Manufacturing Event at Birmingham’s Council House and welcoming industry representatives from Taiwan.

Birmingham welcomes the opportunity to showcase its communications and electronics expertise to an influential group of foreign investment advisors from UK Trade and Invest (UKTI).

Business Birmingham hosted a delegation in December of 15 of UKTI’s investment officers, who provide advice and guidance to investors in the ICT sector across Asia, the Far East, the Americas and Europe. The visit will help UKTI representatives to promote the city as a potential location for ICT companies looking to set up operations or invest in the UK.

The influential group met with leading Birmingham ICT experts and businesses as part of a tour to discover the city’s strengths in the sector. The delegates came from cities across the globe including Beijing, Guangzhou, Paris, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Tokyo, Osaka, The Hague, Seoul, Bangalore, Taipei, San Francisco, Miami, New York and Washington.

Birmingham’s ICT credentials have grown significantly in recent years with new investment coming from US company Reach Local, a leading player in the online advertising industry and digital gaming start-ups Soshi Games, OOP! and InteGames.

Neil Rami, Head of Business Birmingham, is clear on the benefits it can bring:

The UK's ICT sector is the largest in Europe – it was worth almost £120 billion in 2009 and represents 6% of the West Midlands economy. ICT has become a critical enabler of business growth across all sectors – helping organisations improve their efficiency, connectivity and standards.

There is now a real opportunity for the city to leverage its strong track record in attracting significant ICT investments and develop its reputation as a hub of technological innovation and create new jobs in the sector.

Neil Abbott, Account Manager at UKTI's Business Group, led the delegation and believes it has helped to strengthen the bond between Birmingham’s ICT sector and the international trade body’s investment network:

A delegation on this scale is invaluable for a city such as Birmingham. It enables our UKTI representatives to meet local ICT companies and deepen their understanding of the support available for businesses looking to relocate to the area - a key element in our conversations with potential investors.

We have enjoyed working closely with Business Birmingham and I’m keen for us to explore other opportunities to align our activities with the UK’s second city.

Birmingham’s credentials in the digital, communications and technology industries have increased sharply in recent years through the development of clusters such as Birmingham Science Park Aston (BSPA) according to Dr David Hardman, its Chief Executive Officer:

The digital media and ICT sectors are central to Birmingham’s knowledge economy. Connectivity drives our global agenda providing new ways to create and sustain partnerships.

Our ‘science park without walls’ initiative enables Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and start-up businesses to communicate with leading innovators, academics and investors from across the world as if they are sitting in the same room. Such next generation digital businesses are being supported and developed at BSPA utilising state-of-the-art IT collaboration platforms to break down distance and provide and access the best business resources from around the world.

Business Birmingham arranged an impressive schedule for the delegation that included a briefing from BSPA on the opportunities available to investors looking to work with partner companies remotely. Sessions included ‘Science Park Without Walls’, an innovative project in conjunction with Cisco Systems, a worldwide leader in ICT, which enables the Science Park’s tenants to work closely with colleagues across the globe. Delegates also benefited from a presentation by UK Broadband, a national network operator, which explained why it had chosen to locate its operations in the city while the University of Birmingham presented on the potential uses of their ICT research across the defence, medial, heritage and design industries.

Aston University’s ground-breaking research into green and alternative fuel technologies has been praised by Lord Drayson.

Birmingham’s low-carbon vehicle research showcased in visit by Lord Drayson Former Minister of State for Science and Innovation and Aston Alumnus, Lord Paul Drayson, visited Aston University to discover the latest engineering research into green and alternative fuel technologies.

Renewable energy has always been a key concern for Lord Drayson, who as a keen racing driver is aiming to make Drayson Racing a world-leader in green racing technology to help move the racing industry away from reliance on fossil fuels. The team is particularly interested in alternative energy such as second generation biofuels. This has included competing in a bio-ethanol powered Aston Martin Vanquish in the British GT Championship.

Lord Drayson discovered more about Aston’s role in CABLED - the UK’s largest study into long-term low carbon vehicle use, including fuel cells electric and hydrogen power cars. He also met with the Sustainable Environment Research Group and European Bioenergy Research Institute, which is working on alternative energy schemes, including new biofuels and biomass projects.

He also met with Aston’s Formula Student team and met with young entrepreneurs from the BSEEN (Birmingham Skills for Enterprise and Employability Network) scheme, which is managed by Aston, and also works with Birmingham and Birmingham City Universities. BSEEN offers graduates and students a range of support and training for business start-ups and new enterprises.

Professor of Chemical Engineering at Aston University, Andreas Hornung, is Head of the European Bioenergy Research Institute (EBRI). To find out about his experiences of working and living in Birmingham click here.

To find out more about Birmingham’s credentials in the transport technology sector, click here.

The move in February to larger, modern premises will enable Aldermore to recruit and retain a larger network of clients across the Midlands and to accommodate its growing team.

Aldermore Invoice Finance has seen appetite for its services increase as the Midlands’ businesses seek alternative funding solutions to grow their businesses. The Birmingham office recently appointed Anthony Melvin as regional sales manager to enhance its presence in the Midlands market place. Aldermore now plans to use the new office space to facilitate the needs of an ever-growing network of intermediaries and clients. 

Tony Smedley, regional managing director at Aldermore Invoice Finance in the Midlands said;

Since taking residence in our former Charles Street office in 2005 we have expanded the business from six to 16 employees and have outgrown the space. Our new premises at Newhall Street will support the growth of the business to a 26 strong headcount over the next 12 months, as we begin the next chapter of Aldermore’s development in the Midlands.

King Sturge has assisted us in finding a new home at Newhall Street, which suits our needs perfectly. The open plan floor layout, contemporary workspace, welcoming environment and quality of service will ensure that Aldermore maintains its professional and approachable quality of service to a dedicated roster of advisers, clients and introducers.”

Charles Warrack, Senior Associate at property consultant King Sturge commented:

Now fifty percent let, tenants at 35 Newhall Street include legal healthcare specialists, Capsticks, legal firm Kennedys, Zolfo Cooper and Three Lions Underwriters. The building offers organisations the opportunity to take advantage of its combination of a Grade A specification, prime Colmore Business District location, secure basement parking and excellent transport links across the city and beyond, in office suites from 2,500 sq ft plus.”

King Sturge and KWB are joint agents for the property which is owned by West Midlands Metropolitan Authority Pension Fund and fund managed by ING Real Estate.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

Future Perspectives – Midlands Business Insider (West)

Andy Coyne reports from Insider’s first Business of Property Conference, sponsored by Business Birmingham. Quotes from Neil Rami.

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New rail line due to be revealed – Conference News

Article detailing the finalised route for a London-Birmingham high-speed rail line. Quote by Ian Taylor, Commercial Director at Marketing Birmingham.

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Business Birmingham brand aims to deliver inward investment to the city – Property Advantage West Midlands

It may have been an arranged marriage, but now Marketing Birmingham and Locate in Birmingham have finally become one, the city’s business community waits to see if the revamped organisation can deliver. Quotes from Neil Rami.

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Members of the German-British Chamber attended a Frankfurt Christmas Market reception for the Midlands business community at the Birmingham Council House.

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council and Martin Fischer, German-British Chamber

Attendees included business leaders and industry professionals from both German and British firms, including the global investment bank Deutsche Bank, law firm The Wilkes Partnership, accounting company Rödl & Partner and the leading provider of technical services, TÜV Rheinland Group.

Leader of Birmingham City Council, Mike Whitby, spoke at the networking evening, which aims to raise awareness among Midlands businesses of German companies who have laid roots in the region and to strengthen the links between them.

Germany is now the third major foreign investor in the West Midlands with an estimated 400 German-owned companies operating within the area. It is a country close to my heart with a rich and diverse culture and many linkages to the UK and Birmingham, particularly with our shared manufacturing heritage. As a city, Birmingham has enjoyed strong trade relations with Germany for a number of years, with investors finding us a city of talent, opportunity and growth.

Business Birmingham, the city’s official inward investment programme, sponsored the event as part of its strategy to strengthen and develop relations with foreign investors, opening opportunities for investment in the region from outside the UK. Neil Rami, head of Business Birmingham, believes that Germany is a key geographic market for the city’s economy.

In the last couple of years we have welcomed 10 German investments into the West Midlands which have helped to create or safeguard more than 700 jobs. These include Deutsche Bank, the global investment bank and Deutsche Bahn, owners of Birmingham-based Chiltern Railways, amongst many others. As Birmingham continues to develop its key sectors in transport technologies, healthcare and finance the city remains a place of opportunity and growth for foreign investors.

Ulrich Hoppe, Director General of the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce in the UK said:

With its technological strengths and central location, the West Midlands is well positioned to attract further German inward investment. The Chamber is delighted to be part of this process and jointly supports the activities of many German companies coming to this important part of the UK.

The event coincided with the 10th anniversary year of the Frankfurt Christmas Market. Held in Birmingham’s Victoria Square, it is the largest and most popular celebration of German culture and tradition throughout the UK. With 180 stalls the market attracts over three million visitors annually, generating nearly £90m in economic activity for the city every year.

UK-Germany trade facts and figures:

• The top ten German investors in the UK are: E.on, BMW, Palm Group, Bertelsmann, Volkswagen, Aldi Group, Siemens, Linde, Evotec and RWE. Other notable examples include: Allianz Group, Bosch, Lidl & Schwartz Stiftung, Adidas, Allianz Group and Deutsche Telekom.
• More than 3000 German companies are active in the UK, employing almost 400,000 people.
• The UK exports more goods and services to the German state of North-Rhine Westphalia alone than it does to China and India together.
• Germany is the UK’s largest export market in Europe and second largest globally after the US. The UK maintains a market share of around 6.7%.

Business Birmingham is celebrating the city’s trade and cultural links to Germany this month with a series of news and features on the businesses and individuals that have made the city their home.

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, looks at the strong relationship that has provided a platform for German companies to invest and grow in the city.

Germany is a country close to my heart. I have had the benefit of being educated there, and an incredibly influential chapter of my life was spent doing voluntary work in the then West Germany. It is a country with a rich and diverse culture, and many many linkages to the UK – and to Birmingham.

As a city Birmingham has enjoyed strong trade relations with Germany for a number years, with investors finding us a city of talent, opportunity and growth. As a result Germany is now the third major foreign investor in the West Midlands with an estimated 400 German owned companies operating within the area.

Major opportunities for foreign investment in the city are constantly emerging as we develop our industry leading credentials in areas such as transport technologies, healthcare, financial services and emerging markets such as low carbon and digital media. There is now a real opportunity to build on these strengths and the presence and success of leading German businesses such as the global investment bank Deutsche Bank, one of Germany's largest listed companies, which opened its operational processing centre in Birmingham in 2008. As well as Deutsche Bahn, owners of Birmingham-based Chiltern Railways since 2008, and E.ON who work closely with the City Council on a number of projects.

From a cultural perspective, Birmingham has been twinned with Frankfurt for over 40 years and enjoys many German customs and traditions. The country’s rich culture is celebrated with our spectacular Frankfurt Christmas market, which is currently in full swing and celebrating its 10th anniversary. With over 180 stalls it is growing year-on-year, and now receives over three million visitors annually. In fact, it is the world’s largest German market outside of Germany and Austria, generating nearly £90m in economic activity for the city every year.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

Sexy new face for Brum aims to pull in the punters – B2B Marketing

Article about the launch of the Business Birmingham campaign. England’s second largest city is looking to attract new businesses and create 7000 jobs over the next five years.

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Birmingham celebrates Anglo-German relations – Midlands Business News

Members of the German-British Chamber will be attending a Frankfurt Christmas Market drinks reception for the Midlands business community today Thursday, 16th December at the Birmingham Council House.

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Talking Point: Taking Stock – Insider Media

As the year draws to a close, property professionals across the region are assessing the year’s activity and wondering what 2011 will bring. In examining the office market stats, what becomes clear is that 2010 hasn’t been the wash out that perhaps was expected, but what of the coming 12 months? Mention of Business Birmingham launch and Neil Rami.

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Businesses and investors in Birmingham have received a boost with the news that Birmingham City Council has launched a new body to provide financial support for those looking to grow their business in the city.

Finance Birmingham will build on the Council-funded Birmingham Business Loan Fund, which has lent more than £4 million to local businesses over the past 12 months alone.

As well as loans, it is anticipated that the body will also offer further financial products and services as part of a programme of activity being developed by the Council and the newly established Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The establishment of Finance Birmingham comes after the City Council assumed ownership of Investbx Managed Services.

Cllr Timothy Huxtable, Cabinet Member for Transportation and Regeneration, said:

Support for businesses forms a major part of the Local Enterprise Partnership proposals recently approved by Government and the formation of Finance Birmingham is a proactive first step towards providing this.

Investbx had already built many of the relationships and networks among the business community that will be vital for this project to succeed, so it makes sense for us to use the Council’s expertise and resources to continue this work under the guise of Finance Birmingham.

Finance Birmingham will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City Council and is intended to be self-sustaining through the interest generated on the loans and other support activity.

Sue Summers, Chief Executive of Finance Birmingham, said:

The City Council has recognised the success of the loan fund and is keen to ensure this work continues.

Businesses are still facing major challenges in accessing finance from traditional sources and Finance Birmingham will be play an important role in providing the assistance necessary to enable successful companies to continue to grow.

Through the work Investbx has done through the loan fund and other activity, we are well positioned within the business community to provide support on behalf of the Council.

These are exciting times and we look forward to working to help small and medium sized enterprises in the city and, in time, within the area covered by the Local Enterprise Partnership.

In total 16 loans have been awarded through Investbx Managed Services and underwritten by the City Council throughout 2010, these include:

• Install Automation – £250k for Jewellery Quarter based business to expand their company that allows all household appliances, energy and heating systems to be operated through a single interface which also monitors energy use.
• £250k toward expansion to European market of specialist technology developed by city centre based CCBT Ltd that helps treat people with neuroses including phobias, depression and obsessive compulsive disorders.
• Digbeth-based animation and video specialists Big Button Media – loan of 200k to help bring new streaming product to market.
• £100k loan to help Imaginative Minds in Digbeth expand their subscription service for a range of magazines and books based in the educational sector.

A former senior adviser and director of legal strategy to The Executive Council of the Government of Dubai and a Member of the UAE Federal Legislative Committee, Mr Al Mehairi's legal credentials encompass both the UAE and the UK. He is the local sponsor, Chairman and Senior Partner in Abu Dhabi, bringing considerable connections throughout the region, together with his special expertise in contracts, legislation and dispute resolution.

Wragge & Co Senior Partner, Quentin Poole, said:

We are delighted that Mohamed has chosen to join us in this classic example of 'east meets west'. Rather than create a 'me too' presence, we are positioning ourselves with Emirati and other Gulf Cooperation Council colleagues to launch from a sound cultural platform.

Our clients have welcomed the decision to extend our offering to those wishing to do business in the Middle East, as well as businesses based in the region which operate globally. We are pleased to upgrade the level of service to them in the region."

Mr Al Mehairi added:

I am really impressed with Wragge & Co's focus on providing clients with the best advice and solutions through a value-added approach combined with technical excellence. It is why the firm has already been retained by governments and public and private sector organisations in the GCC. The blend of our respective disciplines will prove to be of great benefit to the UAE and beyond 'insha'Allah'."

Mr Al Mehairi is joined by Wragge & Co projects specialist Jane Pittaway, who has relocated to Abu Dhabi to become Managing Partner of Wragge & Co Legal Consultants LLC. Jane Pittaway is a noted expert in the aerospace & defence, health and outsourcing sectors, with many years' experience of working in the UAE.

Jane Pittaway said:

Mohamed's expertise, reputation and connections sit well with our high-quality know-how in projects, dispute resolution, construction, real estate, aerospace & defence, health and outsourcing; areas in which we are active in the region. By bringing our strengths together, Wragge & Co Legal Consultants LLC presents a unique offering to those wishing to do business in the UAE and the wider GCC."

Wragge & Co has an established track record in the GCC. This year the firm's ground-breaking work developing a healthcare regime with the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi won the 'Risk and Regulation' category at the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Awards.

Abu Dhabi represents Wragge & Co's second new office opening this year, following the launch of a 50-strong Paris office in April 2010. In addition to Abu Dhabi and Paris, Wragge & Co has offices in Brussels, Guangzhou and Munich, as well as London and Birmingham.

Wragge & Co is a commercial law firm providing a full range of legal services to UK and international corporates and public sector organisations. The firm is ranked as one of the five most innovative law firms in Europe in the FT's list of innovative lawyers. It is also the only law firm to appear in the UK's 50 best workplaces and won the Law Society Excellence Award for diversity and equality.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

We will suffer without HS2 – Birmingham Post

Jerry Blackett, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, comments on the importance of High Speed Rail to the UK in reference to the High Speed Rail debate at the NEC.

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Putting the customer first is the key to success – Birmingham Post

Article with Peter Crowther from Bruntwood, talking about the company’s intention to increase the quality of office stock in Birmingham and to put the customer at the heart of its operation. Picture with Neil Rami, Waheed Nazir and Peter Crowther at the Bruntwood breakfast meeting.

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Two US-owned companies, Reach Local and UK Power Reserve, have signed agreements for flexible office space at the heart of Birmingham’s Business District in Colmore Plaza, taking a total of 35 workstations between them.

Reach Local, a leading player in the local online advertising industry, has signed for a total of 25 workstations on a 12-month contract. Launched in the UK in 2008, the company already has a London and Manchester base, and offices throughout North America and Australia. Its international headquarters are in Woodland Hills, California, and its mission is to help small and medium-sized businesses acquire, maintain and retain customers via the internet.

UK Power Reserve is part of Walters Power International which supplies, develops, services and manages electrical generation power plants around the world. The Oklahoma City-based group has taken 10 desks in the Orega business centre for 12 months for its UK headquarters. Walters Power first entered the UK market in 2009 with an 8MW plant in Yorkshire, the first of an expected series of small power plants to be developed by the company to address anticipated peak power shortages.

Caron Salter-Hill, Orega’s business centre manager in Birmingham, says:

Our business centre in Colmore Plaza appears to meet all the requirements of US companies looking for a toehold in the UK market or a sound Midlands base. It’s a modern, good looking building in a prime area of the city centre, not far from motorway, railway and airport connections, and – importantly – it gives them the flexibility to expand or consolidate depending on how quickly the business grows.

US companies continue to be the main foreign investors in the West Midlands, creating over 9,000 jobs in the region from 2003-2009. Business Birmingham is targeting the American market as part of its work to raise the profile of the city as the most attractive in Europe in which to do business.

Neil Rami, Head of Business Birmingham, believes that Birmingham offers the perfect ‘soft-landing’ for companies looking for a flexible UK office base:

We have a large supply of quality office space here in Birmingham, which brings with it a range of options that can be tailored to different business needs. I welcome both companies to the city, they will discover a strong, supportive business network and a rich pool of local talent to aid their growth.

• Secretary of State for Transport says Birmingham Eastside will be placed “at the heart of British national transport infrastructure” 
• Asserts that high speed rail can “tackle the North-South divide”
• Pledges to personally monitor plans to mitigate negative impacts of the new rail route
• Urges business leaders to “speak up and speak out” for High Speed 2

The government’s preferred route for a high speed rail line connecting London to Birmingham and the North of England will be announced before Christmas, the Secretary of State for Transport said today.

Speaking at a business debate on High Speed 2 sponsored by Business Birmingham at Birmingham’s NEC conference centre, Philip Hammond MP pledged to personally monitor plans to mitigate negative impacts of the new rail route, while urging business leaders to “speak up and speak out” for the railway line.

Senior representatives of the British Chambers of Commerce, CBI and IoD attended the debate, as well as business leaders from the West Midlands and the North of England, and there was strong and broad support for plans to develop a high speed rail network that also links to High Speed 1 and continental Europe. Known opponents to the scheme were also invited to share their views.

Phillip Hammond moved to assuage concerns about home and business owners who will be affected by the route, explaining details about the Exceptional Hardship Scheme that has been launched to compensate people in special circumstances who need to sell their home or business now.

He also explained that subsequent compensation schemes that the Government will introduce should a route be safeguarded will go beyond statutory requirements – so that home and business owners who are not required to move to accommodate the new line may also be compensated if the value of their properties or businesses is diminished.

Mr Hammond reaffirmed that High Speed 2 plays a central role in government transport policy and explained how the project fits into wider plans to rebalance the economy, asserting that high speed rail can help tackle the North-South divide. He also said that the project will put Birmingham’s Eastside, where a high speed rail station is expected, at the heart of British national transport infrastructure.

High Speed 2 contributed to the government’s decision not to expand airports in the South East of England and Mr Hammond spoke of a “modal shift” towards better use of rail. The Chief Executive of Birmingham Airport, Paul Kehoe, also spoke at the debate and described how high speed rail will effectively “move the airport 70 miles closer to central London, placing it somewhere near Edgware on the Northern Line”. Journey times from London to the airport are expected to be cut to about 35 minutes when the new rail line is opened.

Other speakers at the debate included Paul Thandi, Chief Executive of NEC Group and Simon Topman, Chairman of the West Midlands Chambers of Commerce. The debate was chaired by the BBC’s Political Editor, Midlands, Patrick Burns.

The Government will consult the New Year on a ‘Y’ shaped high speed rail network with separate legs from the West Midlands to Manchester and Leeds. The preferred route for the first leg between London and Birmingham will be part of this consultation.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

Paradise wants to be Brum – Sunday Mercury

Residents of the world’s richest kingdom may have local council members to represent them on a governing body – based on a Birmingham blueprint... The move is part of a continuing exchange of ideas between the two cities which was formally enshrined with the signing last month of a memorandum of understanding.

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Midlands employment initiative to increase graduate scheme places – Gradplus.com

An initiative in the Midlands has revealed that it will be increasing the number of graduate schemes it fills next year. B-Hive, which is run by Pitch Consultants and Business Birmingham, is set to offer 30 paid placements, up by seven from 2010 levels, and 120 weeks’ worth of work experience.

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Namaste India, says Birmingham – Economic Times (New Delhi)

UK’s second-largest city seeks to leverage its ethnic population to attract investment from the country.

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ITV Central (morning show)

High Speed Rail debate to take place on 29/11/10 discussed.

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ITV Central (evening show)

HS2 debate filmed with interview with Philip Hammond, transport secretary.

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BBC Midlands Today (evening show)

The debate was the lead story on the 29/10/10. Paul Kehoe, chair of Marketing Birmingham and CEO of Birmingham Airport was featured talking about how HS2 would make Birmingham Airport a viable option for Londoners – ‘it would move the airport 70 miles closer to central London, placing it somewhere near Edgware on the Northern Line’.

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West Midlands' business leaders at HS2 meeting - BBC online

Business leaders from the West Midlands met to discuss the impact of the proposed HS2 high-speed rail link.

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Politics Show

Ahead of the event on 29/11/10, the debate was trailed with a feature on the Politics Show.

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Transport Minister's plea to businesses to support high speed rail link - Birmingham Post

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has issued a rallying call for the business community to get behind plans for a £17 billion High Speed rail link between London and Birmingham.

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London only 40 minutes away from Birmingham by HS2 trains - Birmingham Mail

Rail journeys between Birmingham and London will take a staggeringly short 40 minutes when a planned high speed rail service is up and running, it has emerged.

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Transport secretary unveils HS2 compensation plan - Railnews

Phillip Hammond, transport secretary, spoke at High Speed Rail ‘Business Debate’ at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre yesterday.

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High Speed 2 preferred route announcement 'before Christmas' - Business Desk

The Government’s preferred route for a high speed rail line connecting London to Birmingham and the North of England will be announced before Christmas.

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MP’s fear on rail plan - Birmingham Mail

Business leaders met in Birmingham to discuss the plans for High Speed 2

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Transport secretary unveils HS2 compensation plan – Railnews

Key points revealed by the transport secretary at the High Speed 2 conference in Birmingham discussed.

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Businesses urged to make case for rail link or lose it - Birmingham Post

Comments by Paul Dale who attended the High Speed 2 conference at the NEC.

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Making the case for high speed rail – Birmingham Post

Government plans to go ahead with High Speed 2 are considered.

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Transport minister seeks backing for high speed rail – News West Midlands

The Transport Minister Phillip Hammond has called on business to back plans for a new £17 billion rail link between Birmingham and London claiming it will tackle the north-south divide more effectively than years of Government intervention could.

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In Focus: Good news hunting – Insider Media

Comments from Andy Coyne on Business of Property conference on 25/11/10 at the Hilton Metropole Hotel at the NEC. Neil Rami spoke about the city’s inward investment strategy at the event.

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Competition to win work experience – Redbrick

Redbrick student magazine reports on the launch night of B-Hive 2010 and discusses the benefits of the scheme.

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Strain Shows in train debate – Birmingham Mail

Comments from John Lamb on the High Speed 2 event held at the NEC on 29/11/10. Quote from Paul Kehoe, CEO of Birmingham Airport, on the benefits of the scheme.

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Business Birmingham, the city’s official inward investment programme, recently hosted its first Midlands Shared Services Network event as part of its strategy to target the division for jobs growth and promote opportunities for managers to meet and share sector knowledge.

Among the event’s attendees were representatives from McDonald’s, the world’s largest chain of fast food restaurants, whose UK Shared Services Centre (SSC) is based in Sutton Coldfield. Linda O’Connor, UK Shared Services Director was accompanied at the event by four of the senior leadership team from the restaurant’s Global Shared Services Centre in Chicago. The delegation was in the UK to visit the Sutton Coldfield centre, which reports directly to global headquarters in the US.

Kelvin McLaurin, Vice President and McDonald’s Global Shared Services Head said:

This forum presents an invaluable opportunity for the Shared Services sector to unite, share best practice and discuss industry issues that affect us all, wherever we are in the world. The presentations given have offered me the chance to observe and compare the experiences of the industry here with where we are in the US.

Over 20 representatives from Midlands-based SSCs including Lafarge, Deutsche Bank and Adecco attended the first forum at Eleven Brindleyplace, which included a presentation by Richard Butler, Head of General Ledger at Interserve, the international services, maintenance and building group.

Butler talked about the challenges faced by Interserve since opening an SSC in West Bromwich, including how the company managed the centre’s integration with its wider operations and managing internal resistance to change. Butler believes, however, that talent was key to the centre’s success. He said:

Introducing new staff with relevant SSC experience has really benefited Interserve. The blend and balance of our new and old employees within our small operation has allowed us to maintain our efficiency and maximise our resources.

The SSC steering group, which comprises representation from McDonald’s, Interserve, Rentokil, Robert Walters and Marketing Birmingham, will meet in December to plan the next networking event, scheduled to take place in January 2011.

The full details will be in our Events Calendar nearer the time.

juwi, one of the leading project developers for renewable energies, enters the UK market and further intensifies its constantly growing international business activities. The subsidiary “juwi Renewable Energies Ltd” establishes an office in Birmingham, the second largest city in the UK. In 2011 and 2012, the company will realize solar power plants with the capacity of more than 60 megawatts.

juwi will establish solar power projects in the United Kingdom (UK), predominantly in the South of the country. The company is going to develop photovoltaic projects mainly self dependent, covering the entire process - from acquisition of suitable land to the completion of the power plant. In addition, the energy specialist will realise turnkey projects in which the company acts as the general contractor for the design, engineering and construction of free field and rooftop solar installations.

The UK currently provides excellent conditions for the solar industry; the country is becoming an attractive European market. We are happy that the United Kingdom jumps on the bandwagon on the way to renewable energies and a comprehensive restructuring of the energy supply. We want to contribute to a further acceleration of this train so that we reach 100 % renewable energies as soon as possible”, says Lars Falck, managing director juwi Solar and at the moment managing director of juwi UK. The management will be taken over by a British candidate within the next months.

With the implementation of a national feed-in tariff, the British government has provided an excellent basis to achieve its climate protection targets. Solar energy shall contribute to two percent to the national electricity supply by 2020, equating to 6,000 megawatt. Based on the promising conditions in the UK and juwi’s rich expertise in developing and implementing renewable energy projects worldwide "juwi Renewable Energies Ltd" expects strong growth already within the next two years.

If the conditions remain that positive, we will create a large number of sustainable jobs in the UK. At the moment, we plan to hire approximately 60 people until the end of 2012”, says Daniel Parsons, Business Development Manager juwi Solar.

The feed-in tariff will contribute to a large extent to a security of energy supplies in the UK based on renewable energies”, says Amiram Roth-Deblon, Head of Business Development juwi Solar.

The foundation of a subsidiary in the UK is not the first international market entry in 2010. This year the project developer already has entered into the promising solar markets of Slovakia, Bulgaria and India.

It comes as Government announces plans for an additional 75,000 apprentices across the country.

The scheme was officially launched at a pioneering training centre for Network Rail in Walsall, West Midlands, because many of the new apprentices will be working on rail projects. The complex features a realistic mock rail environment where employees can practise practical engineering techniques or shadow experienced rail professionals.

Under the Amey Apprenticeship Academy scheme, young engineers will complete a structured career and self-development programme. This includes studying towards recognised professional qualifications, completing work placements, on-the-job training and achieving the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Mel Ewell, Chief Executive of Amey said:

We are extremely proud to launch the Amey Apprenticeship Academy and invest in young people, particularly at a time of economic uncertainty.

The programme is designed specifically to help young people negotiate an extremely tough jobs market and learn practical skills that will give them real, long term career prospects.

It is fitting that we launched the Amey Apprenticeship Academy in the West Midlands, which despite having one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the UK, also has a pool of incredibly talented young people. We look forward to supporting the apprentices throughout their careers which will drive investment into the communities we work in. 

Lord Digby Jones added:

Amey is a significant employer, not just in the West Midlands, but across the UK. This commitment to investing in training and personal development of young people should serve as a model, demonstrating how all UK businesses can play a part in developing the skilled professionals of tomorrow.”

Steve Featherstone, Director of infrastructure maintenance for Network Rail, said:

Improving the skills of our nation is vital if we are to build economic prosperity. Any effort to boost the skills of those who help deliver a better, value-for-money railway is good news for everyone. We know from our own apprenticeship scheme and focus on training for our people, how valuable investing for the future can be.”

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

Property Focus: The Interview – Mark Swallow – The Business Desk

Property Focus sits down this week with the head of property consultancy Knight Frank's Birmingham office Mark Swallow. Mark talks about the importance of Business Birmingham for the city.

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Pitch Consultants launches B-Hive 2011 – Recruiter

Creative sector recruiter Pitch Consultants and Business Birmingham have launched its 2011 B-Hive graduate recruitment initiative for the West Midlands.

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Birmingham Businesses join forces to launch innovative graduate recruitment scheme - Onrec

Creative sector recruiter Pitch Consultants and Business Birmingham have launched its 2011 B-Hive graduate recruitment initiative for the West Midlands.

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Trade links further strengthened between India and the UK – Asian Voice

A major UK-India trade conference in Birmingham has won the local authority praise, a rare credit, from delegates for showing commitment to David Cameron’s vow to strengthen relations between the two countries. Mention of Ian Taylor and Marketing Birmingham.

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Awards success for ‘Property Personality’ David Bucknall – The Business Desk

Popular property figure David Bucknall was named the industry's personality of the year at an annual awards ceremony last night. Awards sponsored by Business Birmingham.

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Birmingham businesses join forces to launch innovative graduate recruitment scheme – Creative Boom

Businesses across the West Midlands come together to support graduate talent through the B-Hive project.

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Birmingham now offers an exceptional choice of offices - be it large scale BREEAM Excellent HQ buildings, or small boutique period buildings and just about everything in between.

The range and depth of availability provides inward investors with a unique opportunity to acquire offices that fit their business needs perfectly, whilst ensuring that there is scope for those businesses to grow in the City.

Birmingham is an incredibly easy sell to inward investors once they have visited the City, talked to other businesses and seen the range and quality of accommodation on offer. Incredible choice and value; strong demographics and a real can-do attitude should put Birmingham right at the top of the list for companies looking to relocate and expand. To anyone that hasn’t been to Birmingham in the past few years – just come and have a look!

B-Hive, the innovative graduate recruitment initiative for the West Midlands, launched this week with details of its 2011 program.

B-Hive is the brainchild of Pitch Consultants, specialist recruiters for the creative industries, who are partnering on the project with Business Birmingham, the city’s official inward investment programme.

The initiative is a first class example of Birmingham businesses working together in order to showcase the city as a true creative hub, home to countless fantastic agencies and brands that have made their blueprint on the city.

B-Hive, which sees students compete for rare industry placements at top Midlands firms, aims to highlight the employment opportunities for graduates within Birmingham’s burgeoning creative industries sector in a bid to improve the city’s graduate retention figures. The competition process requires students to pitch their responses to the brief in a Dragons’ Den style interview session to top industry professionals. 

The launch event will see the cream of the city’s creative community come together at the Custard Factory’s newest addition, the Zellig, a pioneering hub for innovation and creativity, along with students from across Birmingham’s five higher education institutions – Aston University, Birmingham City University, Birmingham Metropolitan College, University College Birmingham and University of Birmingham.

Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme, is working in collaboration with Pitch Consultants to promote Birmingham as a city of business opportunity through the B-Hive project.

Neil Rami, Head of Business Birmingham, said,

Business Birmingham is working alongside partners to ensure we retain and attract graduate talent and encourage students to stay on in Birmingham to develop their career. The creative industries are one of Birmingham’s most innovative and exciting sectors, which we have identified as a key target for further investment.

Enterprise hubs such as The Custard Factory and Fazeley Studios are currently thriving, providing the perfect environment for creative start ups and entrepreneurial businesses. Our aim is to promote Birmingham as a successful business location, which offers a vibrant lifestyle choice.

2010 was the worst ever year on record for graduate recruitment. It is predicted that 2011 will be equally challenging for students trying to get their foot on the career ladder.

Following the success of the 2010 campaign B-Hive returns with 30 paid placements, a total of 120 weeks work experience, up from 23 paid placements last year. Five entry categories, increased from four, are in place for the 2011 competition which are marketing, PR, advertising, graphic design and web design. Some of the businesses lending support and offering paid placements in 2011 are Marketing Birmingham, Cogent Elliot, KLM, Golley Slater, McCann Erikson, Seal Communications and One Black Bear amongst others.

Since the launch of B-Hive in 2009 the initiative has seen many of its placement winners go on to secure permanent positions in the creative industries. Five B-Hive finalists who were in their final year of university education have gained permanent positions as a direct result of their B-Hive experience whilst many others have received interest from leading creative companies. With even more businesses on board in 2011 it is hoped B-Hive will lead to an increased number of permanent jobs being created for winners of the competition.

Ollie Purdom, Director of Pitch Consultants who has over eight years experience recruiting within the creative sector said

A challenging economic climate has led to increased competition across job markets. Employers are looking for a track record of experience and work experience placements are now more important than ever in helping graduates showcase the qualities they can bring to companies. The B-Hive initiative enables students to stand out from the crowd and gives creative companies the access to the best graduate talent in the city.”

He has worked in higher education for more than 30 years, previously working at Sheffield Hallam and Nottingham Trent Universities. Over the past ten years Martin has been actively involved in developing new and innovative work-based courses for companies at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. He was involved in securing a significant amount of company funding, including a corporate donation of over £5million in 2009 to establish a new research institute for International Management Practice at Anglia Ruskin The Centre for Leadership and Management Development focuses on business and employer engagement, and upon growing third stream income activity, largely through the design and delivery of bespoke courses (both accredited and non-award bearing) for companies.

The Centre also intends to grow consultancy and company sponsored research and currently runs big programmes with SPAR, Mitchell and Butlers, Jewson and St Gobain. Martin said:

I hope my experience will allow me to make an important contribution to the development of the new Centre for Leadership and Management Practice at Birmingham City University.” Dean of Birmingham City Business School, Chris Prince, said: “We are delighted that Martin has joined the Faculty. Martin held a very senior post whilst at Anglia Ruskin University and it is testament to the investment we are making in the Business School, such as the revamped Postgraduate Suite, that we are able to attract someone of Martin’s calibre.”

For twelve leading car producing countries, the report reveals that light vehicle assembly during the first five months of the year improved an astonishing 47.6% over the same period in 2009. However, this marked improvement may not be as significant as it at first appears because it is almost entirely due to the first half of last year being exceptionally weak, as car makers engaged in massive assembly and inventory reductions, fearing a precipitous worldwide sales crash.

Interestingly, while reports of remarkable auto industry growth are invariably attributed to China, in this case the strong performance of the light vehicle assembly sector was evident right around the world. On the sales side, however, China’s performance had a more significant impact on the overall improvement in sales growth – up 22.2% year on year.

Looking ahead, the report warns that for automotive manufacturers in the European Union, fiscal tightening, driven by the need to reduce government debt in many countries, could negatively affect demand in the remainder of 2010. The austerity measures, which include cuts in public spending with accompanying redundancies and pay cuts / pay freezes will not only dent new vehicle demand in one sector of the economy, but may also have an adverse affect on consumer confidence in the wider economy, thus creating a further risk of a slip in new vehicle demand.

Andy Watts, director and manufacturing sector expert, at PwC in the Midlands, said:

The Midlands automotive sector is preparing for a period of slower growth, as government stimuli wind down and financial challenges persist but overall the outlook is positive. “The end of the scrappage scheme is now working its way through the various markets and it has had less of an impact on sales than some expected. However, other factors are now entering the equation. In particular, the imminent cuts in public sector spending are likely to affect confidence levels and this could have a knock-on effect on demand for new cars in the short to medium term.”

The Midlands automotive industry is preparing for an impending period of slow industry growth, according to the quarterly Autofacts report by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC). While optimistic of an industry revival, the report warns that the outlook remains uncertain, despite a particularly strong performance in the light vehicle assembly sector during the first half of the year.

One of the World’s biggest technology companies has chosen to employ more graduates from Birmingham City University than any other university in the UK.

This year American multinational, Cisco Systems, offered just 23 places on its highly competitive graduate training programme, which receives thousands of applications each year. Six of these places were given to graduates from Birmingham City University which boasts Europe’s leading Cisco network academy programme.

Of the six graduates, four were hired as Associate Network Consulting Engineers (ANCE) who are currently training in Belgium and two who have been hired as Associate Systems Engineers (ASE) and are being trained here in the UK. Following the training, which lasts between four-11 months, the graduates will be guaranteed jobs with Cisco Systems which employs more than 65,000 staff and has an annual revenue of $40 billion. The graduates undergo an intensive training programme which consists of classroom, on the job experience and shadowing, as well as hands-on technical simulations in computer lab environments. They are also given non technical training in customer relationship management, Cisco internal tools and databases and presentation skills.

Upon completion of training the ASEs will go into field Systems Engineering roles as they are the company sales team’s technical experts in designing and overseeing the implementation of customer’s networks. ANCEs will work with existing customers to solve very high level technical issues.

Cisco’s University Relations Manager (EMEA) Sedef Buyukataman said:

We have an excellent working partnership with the leadership and Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment at Birmingham City University and really use this relationship as a benchmark for all our targeted universities.

The emphasis on network specific education has really given the six graduates a strong advantage in the jobs market, but that’s not the only reason that we hired them. The roles they gained are all customer-facing positions so the ability to balance technical training with other valuable skills such as presentation style, communication skills and out-of-the-box analytical thinking is really what sets them apart.

I believe the educational culture at Birmingham City University fosters this and has produced a strong pool of candidates for our open positions. No other university in our network of targeted schools has placed this high a number of graduates with us this past year and the partnership with the University is only growing so I expect this number to grow in coming years."

Mak Sharma, Head of the University’s School of Computing, Telecommunications and Networks said:

We are exceptionally proud of our relationship with Cisco. Successful employer engagement is vital in the current economic climate as it helps strengthen our reputation for student employability. Birmingham City University is ranked 16th out of 121 institutions for getting its students into graduate level jobs. Cisco has provided placements, case presentations and research work which have given students an enhanced insight into IT career paths.”

Following on from 2010’s record intake, Cisco and the Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment have begun initial talks about plans to approach students for 2011’s full-time and internship opportunities.

Secretary of State for Business Vince Cable and Skills Minister John Hayes will today launch the Government’s strategy for skills, Skills for Sustainable Growth, and its parallel publication, Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth.

The strategy sets out the Government’s vision for reform of the Further Education and skills system in order to improve the skills of the workforce, the performance of the economy and engagement in learning.

Investing in Sustainable Growth sets out how Government seeks to achieve its objectives through investing strategically in FE and skills over this Spending Review period. Savings will have to be made, but the Government understands the importance of continuing high levels of participation and performance.

Dr Cable said:

If we are to achieve sustainable growth, nothing is more important than addressing current failings in skills training, and this strategy reflects this Government’s determination to do both.

We are not in a position to throw money at the problem, but even against the backdrop of reductions, resource will be found to expand the apprenticeship programme for adults and support more people undertaking an increasingly respected form of vocational training.

The strategies were launched by Dr Cable during his first FE and skills keynote speech at the annual Association of Colleges conference in Birmingham. The reform of the skills systems includes:

• Expanding the numbers of adult apprenticeships available, so by 2014-15 there will be 75,000 more adults starting than under the previous Government’s plans; 200,000 adults will be able to start an apprenticeship. We will invest £605 million in adult apprenticeships in the 2011-12 financial year;

• Improving the apprenticeships package, so that level 3 (A Level equivalent) becomes the level to achieve, and there are clear progression pathways;

• Fully funding training for young adults aged from 19 up to 24 undertaking their first full level 2 (GCSE equivalent) or first level 3 qualification when they do not already have one;

• Fully funding basic skills courses for individuals who left school without basic reading, writing and mathematics;

• Protecting investment of £210 million in adult and community learning, to support personal development, inclusive communities and a route into formal learning for the disengaged;

• Introducing Government-backed loans from 2013-14 for learners aged 24 and over undertaking level 3 or higher qualifications. This will give people access to finance. They will not have to make their contribution to costs of the course until they are reaping the benefits of it and earning a decent wage;

• Initiating a demand-led growth and innovation fund of up to £50 million of government investment a year, to support employer-led initiatives within sectors, such as new professional standards, and to promote leadership and management in small and medium enterprises;

• Replacing Train to Gain with an SME focused programme to help small employers train low-skilled staff;

• Helping people who are on active job-seeking benefits to secure work through labour-market relevant training; and

• Reducing bureaucracy in the sector. We will continue to free colleges and training providers from red tape so they can respond to the needs of employers and learners. We will simplify the complex funding system and from the 2011-12 academic year there will be a single adult skills budget.

In his speech today, Dr Cable also announced that approval has been given to funding for a National Skills Academy for Rail Engineering. It will receive £2.7 million of funding from Government, which will be matched by £2.2 million from employers, to deliver a highly skilled and qualified workforce to support the rail industry and newly announced projects such as Crossrail and HighSpeed 2.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

Tata Motors set to launch Ace in Europe – Hindustan Times

Tata Tempo is set to debut in Europe with an electric version that seeks to offer a green future to small businesses. Article positions Birmingham as being an automotive innovator.

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The shelter of the dancing robots – Hindustan Times

Reporter Dipankar De Sarkar visits the Indian SME event held in Birmingham and makes reference in a blog style piece.

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City's 'Bid' to clean up streets – Guardian Public

An idea that first originated in United States in the 1970s has taken on in Birmingham, where so-called Business improvement districts (Bids) levy an additional tax or fee to transform the urban landscape.

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Moving Forward Working Together - Birmingham Post

Alun Thorne comments on “a new era of collaboration” in Birmingham - Business Birmingham is referenced as being hugely important to the city.

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City’s bid to clean up streets – Guardian Public

An idea that first originated in United States in the 1970s has taken on in Birmingham, where so-called Business improvement districts (Bids) levy an additional tax or fee to transform the urban landscape.

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Branding campaign: Birmingham goes international to attract new business – B2B Marketing

Article detailing the launch of Business Birmingham’s investment strategy.

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Top architect to speak at Insider property conference – Insider Media

Business Birmingham is sponsoring the Insider Property Awards. Speakers at the event will include Waheed Nazir, director of regeneration at Birmingham City Council and Neil Rami, chief executive of Marketing Birmingham.

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Global Entrepreneurship Week began life as Enterprise Week in the UK back in 2004. When news of the phenomenal success of Enterprise Week in the UK spread the globe, lots of other countries got excited at the potential of running similar initiatives in their own countries. So in 2008, Enterprise UK and the Kauffman Foundation (the world’s largest entrepreneurship foundation based in the US) founded the very first Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Last year, there were over 32,000 events run in 88 countries, attended by more than 7.5 million people. In the UK, over 529,000 people attended 4,812 events.

Global Entrepreneurship Week is a worldwide movement of entrepreneurial people, with millions unleashing their enterprising talents and turning their ideas into reality.

As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week a number of events are taking place across Birmingham, with many being held at Birmingham Science Park Aston. To find out how to get involved at http://www.gew.org.uk/.

A compelling vision to transform the way people come into and move around Birmingham city centre has been launched by business, council and transport chiefs.

‘Vision for Movement’ lays the foundations for a comprehensive network of rapid transit, bus, rail, cycling and walking routes to underpin Birmingham’s economic regeneration and help cement its future as a vibrant, global city.

The Vision is the result of a newly formed partnership between the city’s business community, by way of its Business Improvement Districts (BID’s), Birmingham City Council, transport authority Centro and National Express West Midlands.

Its goal is to create a well connected, efficient and walkable city by finding transport solutions that are realistic and deliverable in the short to medium term but also co-ordinate with longer-term schemes outlined in the document’s 20-year timeframe.

Vision for Movement will also form an important element of the wider Big City Plan, a far reaching blueprint for how the heart of Birmingham should develop over the next two decades.

Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham City Council, welcomed the blueprint saying:

The Big City Plan has set out our bold vision and framework for Birmingham’s growth and prosperity over the next 20 years – with new jobs, homes, cultural and leisure opportunities. The Vision for Movement will form an essential part of our Big City Plan, adding the detail about how people will travel safely, efficiently and easily within a welcoming environment. In a sophisticated partnership with the private sector we are setting out clearly how we want to create a more connected city. Bringing together the immense possibilities before us – which include High Speed Rail, major infrastructure investments in New Street and Metro – I believe Birmingham now really is on the cusp of gaining a transport infrastructure that truly befits a global destination.

The Vision’s proposals include;

• Support for the continued rebuilding of New Street Station and the extension of the Midland Metro on to the city centre streets
• A network of flexible rapid transit routes, known as Birmingham Sprint, will be developed. It will be a high quality, tram-style service benefiting from highway priority measures to speed up journeys.
• Alterations to the rail network at Camp Hill to open new passenger stations on the rail lines out to Kings Norton and Tamworth;
• The transformation of existing bus services with high quality, green vehicles, new city centre passenger interchanges and hi-tech travel information
• Park and Ride facilities to support rapid transit and cycle routes and reduce demand for car journeys into the city;
• Improving the efficiency of the existing road network by remodelling key junctions, making it easier to use the Ring Road and installing traffic management systems that give priority to public transport, cycling and walking.

Representatives from up to 100 Indian SMEs met in Birmingham on Thursday 11th November as the High Commission of India hosted the return leg of David Cameron’s summer trade mission to India.

The UK-India conference to promote bilateral trade with the SME manufacturing sector, hosted by Birmingham City Council, featured workshops led by Tata Motors and visiting Indian business organisations. The event also coincides with India celebrating its 60 years of Republic this year.

The event was an opportunity for Indian businesses to explore potential business collaborations with UK companies in the manufacturing and technology sector. The UK’s reputation, specifically in life sciences, low carbon technologies and advanced engineering is of particular interest to Indian attendees.

Over 2000 UK SME manufacturers already either trade or invest in India or are very positive to do so and see it as a viable growth market according to recent independent research by the Indian High Commission.

H.E Mr. Nalin Surie, High Commissioner of India to the UK, welcomed delegates to the event. He is confident that SMEs from both nations will benefit from the advanced technologies expertise the event will offer:

The Indian envoy said:

British SMEs are keen to expand using the opportunities that Indian markets provide for them. SMEs on both sides can complement each other, particularly in advanced engineering, clean technology, energy efficiency systems, renewable energy, and many others. India and the UK agreed, during Prime Minister David Cameron’s recent visit to India, to be ambitious in seeking to substantially increase trade and significantly increase investment between the UK and India.

Birmingham City Council hosted the event in conjunction with the High Commission, as it looks to implement David Cameron’s vow to strengthen relations between the two states. Councillor Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, and President of Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme, believes that the UK manufacturing sector is a key growth area for UK-India relations.

Manufacturing will play a hugely important role in the UK’s economic recovery, with our highly skilled workforce and favourable exchange rate for export it already accounts for 11% of our economic output. However, I echo David Cameron’s sentiment that the UK should look to strengthen the trade relations it already enjoys – the UK should be India’s Partner of Choice, not simply due to the economic sense it makes, but because of the shared rich cultural and social history of our two nations, perhaps best represented in the makeup of the city of Birmingham. With predictions that its economy will be that of the UK, France and Germany combined by 2040, trade missions such as these present us with an exciting opportunity to collaborate further with a market which is growing at an exponential rate.

On the opportunities to develop the trading relationship between the West Midlands and India, he added:

The West Midlands has always enjoyed healthy trade relations with India being second only to the US for foreign job creation in the region between 2003 and 2009 – higher than the rest of the UK. This event will ensure Birmingham is an opportunity for Birmingham to strengthen business ties and become an ambassador for the UK’s ongoing relations with Indian business.

The UK-India conference featured contributions from Tata Motors, Aston University, Loughborough University and the Warwick Manufacturing Group as well as nine visiting Indian business organisations such as Delegates Engineering Export Promotion Council of India and The National Small Industries Corporation of India, amongst others. Delegates also heard from leading business speakers and participate in workshops that focus on promoting growth in strong sectors for both countries and provide opportunities for forging new business relationships and networks.

[The trip will] provide a further step forward in UK-China relations, adding momentum to our commercial relationship and cementing an economic and political partnership that can help to deliver strong and sustainable growth and greater security for us all in the years ahead. On this visit alone, Britain is set to sign new contracts worth billions of dollars involving companies across the UK and cities all over China.

Mr Cameron was welcomed by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao at the Great Hall of the People, where he inspected an honor guard before commencing the formal summit.

Over 40 specific agreements dealing with trade, low-carbon growth and cultural and education initiatives are expected to be signed over the course of the two-day trip. Deals already agreed include £750 million for Rolls-Royce to supply and service jet engines for China Eastern Airlines and the construction of 50 new English language schools by Pearson.

Such agreements will “help take Britain’s relationship with China to a new level”, said the Prime Minister.

Issues being discussed at the summit include addressing global economic imbalances; the need for the completion of the Doha round of World Trade Organisation talks; progress on low carbon growth; and education co-operation.

Neil Rami, head of Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme, said:

These talks may come to represent a turning point in the UK’s trade relations with China. Both parties have learnt from recent Chinese economic growth that domestic demand in China could take up the slack left by weakened demand from the West. The UK needs to capitalise on this opportunity and China’s growing appetite for goods and services, in order to increase exports which are currently vital for the country’s economic growth. Broad efforts to encourage investment in the UK will help achieve this, while addressing the £18 billion trade deficit the UK currently runs with China. The UK is currently Europe’s largest direct investor in China and we hope that as China rebalances its economy with more imports, we will see a wealth of investment opportunities in the UK.

James Heather, Project Director of Argent, collected the award and said:

Eleven Brindleyplace is our last office building at Brindleyplace and this award is a fantastic accolade to complete the development.  Our aim was to create a distinctive building and to add a new dimension to work space on the estate.  Through the dedication, talent and determination of our design and project team, we achieved this and this award is a great recognition of that accomplishment.

Designed from the outset as a multi let building with great shared communal space, Eleven Brindleyplace has successfully combined the best quality design with efficient functionality.  It is one of Birmingham’s first completed BREEAM ‘Excellent’ buildings and we worked hard to create a flexible building that differentiated itself in the marketplace. We are extremely proud to have won this award.

The Eleven Brindleyplace project team included Glenn Howells Architects, Faithful+Gould, Arup and BAM Design and Construction.  Letting agents for the building are GVA Grimley and GBR Phoenix Beard.

For further information visit: www.elevenbrindleyplace.co.uk or www.bco.org.uk

Home-Grown Occupiers – Estates Gazette

Internal relocations via consolidation and downsizing could be the answer for West Midlands companies that are struggling to fill office space, reports Kurt Jacobs. Comment by Neil Rami.

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Business Birmingham – Big jobs? - Estates Gazette

Business Birmingham, the newly created offshoot of Marketing Birmingham dedicated to targeting inward investors, recently announced that its aim is to attract 6,700 new jobs to the city in the next five years. Comment by Neil Rami.

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East End to ‘Rival’ Silicon Valley – Growth Business

International entrepreneurs are to be attracted to a tech hub in London’s East End, the Prime Minister has announced. Comment by Neil Rami.

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Cameron plans East Silicon Valley - CBR

Prime Minister David Cameron has unveiled plans to turn areas of east London into a UK version of Silicon Valley. Comment by Neil Rami.

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Cameron envisages Silicon Valley in East London - E Week Europe

The government plans to attract high-tech visionaries and entrepreneurs to London’s Olympics site after 2012. Comment by Neil Rami.

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East London’s Silicon Dreams – Financial Times

David Cameron wants to create a Silicon Valley in east London. Comment by Neil Rami.

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Bruntwood Boss to speak at Insider Property Conference – Insider Media Limited

Chris Oglesby, chief executive officer of office building owner and manager Bruntwood, is to speak at Insider’s inaugural Midlands Business of Property Conference... Other speakers so far confirmed are... Neil Rami, chief executive of Marketing Birmingham.

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UK’s small cos keen on India imports – The Economic Times

In order to tap into the latent demand among the SME sector in the Midlands, the Indian High Commission along with Indian industry associations are focusing on bringing together SMEs in both countries as an ongoing focus area, begginning with an event in Birmingham on 11th November.

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Indian entrepreneurs travel to Birmingham for manufacturing event – Birmingham Post

Birmingham City Council hosts an event in conjunction with India’s High Commission, as it looks to implement David Cameron’s vow to strengthen relations between the two states.

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Big City in Fine Detail – The Birmingham Mail

Midland business and civic leaders received the latest insight into plans for Birmingham with the Big City Plan and Business Birmingham at the ‘Breakfast by Bruntwood’ seminar. Speech given by Neil Rami.

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Indian Trade Boost - ITV Central News

Almost a hundred businessmen and women from India were in Birmingham today to try to broker deals which could bring jobs and cash to the Midlands.

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Summit forges closer links between Indian and UK business – The Business Desk

A manufacturing summit in Birmingham has helped to forge closer links between businesses in the UK and the sub-continent, the Indian High Commissioner has said.

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West Mids Businesses to be “ambitious” with Indian trade – Insider Media Limited

Representatives from almost 100 Indian businesses travelled up to Birmingham to attend the UK-India trade conference. Nalin Surie, High Commissioner of India to the UK, was in Birmingham for the event.

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Business leaders get Big City insight – Midlands Insider Daily

Birmingham’s business and civic leaders have received the latest insight into The Big City Plan. Quote by Neil Rami.

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The Space Race – North West Business Insider

Andrew Jones, office agency director at Jones Lang LaSalle, opened the firm’s October seminar by saying: “I can say with some certainty that there’s never been so much uncertainty”.... In October, Neil Rami, chief executive of Marketing Birmingham, issued a rallying call to overhaul inward investment efforts.

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In focus – Travelling in the Right Direction

Proposed extension of the Midland Metro from Birmingham Snow Hill station to New Street station provoked a voluminous response... Comments about MIPIM show in Cannes.

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Relations between India and the UK stem back to 1599 when Queen Elizabeth I occupied the throne. A special relationship encompassing almost half a millennia is one that warrants attention.

A recent event highlighted the importance of India to the UK. The Prime Minister, David Cameron made a point of visiting India in the first few weeks of taking office and was warmly received by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Both leaders share an aspiration to enhance and further this Special Relationship.

Why is the UK important to India?

The UK is an attractive gateway for India to access Europe, the world’s biggest single market economy. India and UK share the same political systems, English is a common language, there is heritage in the relationship and though history illustrates the relationship has not been without strain, it has become stronger as a consequence. The Commonwealth exists to benefit all members.

India’s economy continues to defy the global financial crisis enjoying GDP growth in double figures. It’s population of 1.2 billion people is a challenging but potentially immense market for the UK’s exports. The emerging middle classes, estimated at 150 million people, demonstrate consumer aspirations in high ticket items and luxury goods. International marketing agencies are exposed to images of sophisticated consumers in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

It is important the villages and small towns that Mahatma Gandhi termed the heart of India, are not forgotten in all of this. Representing by far, the biggest group, their aspirations are not yet Jaguars and Range Rovers but medicine, education, access to uninterrupted supplies of electricity and clean water. Then there are the projects that bridge all social, economic and religious differences; transportation infrastructure. It is the roads where all of Indian life converge with chauffeured cars, TATA trucks and pedal powered rickshaws competing for space to move in the only direction India wishes to go, forward.

It’s heartening to see India-UK trade events such as the one this week in Birmingham. The events provide an opportunity for hosts to showcase their regions and long term relationships are enhanced. Today’s handshakes and welcome receptions are tomorrow’s business deals.

The India SME Manufacturing Event takes place this Thursday 11th November. Find out more in our events calendar.

The Blueprint sets out the Government’s aim to make the UK the most attractive place in the world to start and invest in innovative technology companies; and to make the Government the most technology friendly in the world. It sets out a number of new policy measures:

• A new Entrepreneur Visa to make sure that if you have a great business idea, and you receive serious investment from a leading investor, you are welcome to set up your business in the UK.
• An independent review of the intellectual property framework, including considering whether there are benefits in a US style ‘fair use’ copyright provision.
• A new ‘peer to patent’ system which draws on the expertise of people across the globe to help maintain patent quality.

He also set out the Government’s ambition for London’s East End to be transformed into a world-leading technology city to rival Silicon Valley, where companies including Google, Intel and Facebook have committed to invest in the long-term future of the area.

Neil Rami, Head of Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme, commented on the government’s announcement of entrepreneur visas and inter-company transfers being exempt from the immigration cap:

It’s important that the government has made these concessions on the immigration cap, which threatened to stop some highly skilled workers from working in the UK. This move secures our competitive business environment and means our efforts to attract foreign direct investment will not be hampered.

On the creation of a technology hub in East London:

It’s unclear how the rest of the UK will be affected by what looks like a move towards consolidating the technology industry. Technology start-ups can find good value rents, excellent business facilities, networking opportunities and free mentoring at science parks across the UK. It is important that the East London technology hub has spin-off benefits for the rest of the UK and does not cannibalise thriving technology industries outside of London and the South East.

Organised as part of a series of ‘Breakfast by Bruntwood’ events, the morning was the latest in a programme of quarterly breakfasts held at the company’s reinvigorated Mclaren building. More than 70 business leaders enjoyed presentations from Waheed Nazir of Birmingham City Council and Neil Rami, chief executive of Marketing Birmingham, on the newly-revised detail of the Big City Plan and the launch of Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment campaign.

Neil Rami, chief executive of Marketing Birmingham, which leads the Business Birmingham campaign, said,

Birmingham is at an exciting stage in its development with an aim to become the most attractive city in Europe in which to do business. The Big City Plan and the Business Birmingham campaign provide a framework to improve the city’s infrastructure and landscape. These will enable Birmingham to attract investment to sectors where the city has a strong track record, as well as those high growth areas that have the potential to generate further growth and jobs moving forward.

Development director for Bruntwood, Pete Crowther said,

Our view that Birmingham has great potential has been reinforced by the vision and commitment shown by The Big City Plan and Business Birmingham. At Bruntwood, we’re looking to further increase our presence in the city and to be part of its changing landscape and successful future.

Wesleyan, which specialises in providing financial services for doctors, dentists, lawyers and teachers, is establishing a Sales Relationship Centre (SRC) which will strengthen contact with customers and improve sales force productivity. The first phase of recruitment is currently underway.

Wesleyan piloted the SRC concept after internal research revealed that, as the business continued to grow, financial consultants were spending almost as much time setting up appointments as they were spending with customers. The year-long pilot was highly successful, allowing financial consultants significantly more time with customers and creating an uplift in the number of clients seen and sales made.

Sam Porter, Wesleyan’s Director of Marketing said:

The pilot shows that creating an SRC will not only help to increase sales force productivity but will also allow financial consultants to spend more quality time with clients discussing their financial needs. As a specialist provider we have a clear understanding of the needs of our customers and the issues that are impacting on them and their professions. This insight will allow the SRC to support customers who might be affected by changes in pension schemes or tax legislation, for example, in a timely manner. Following the Retail Distribution Review, we anticipate that the demand for the type of high-quality tailored service which we provide will increase further. The SRC will enable us to deliver this service to an even higher standard.

Recruitment to the SRC will be phased over the next two years with more than half of the posts due to be filled by the end of 2011. The SRC will operate flexible shift patterns to enable Wesleyan to speak to customers at different times throughout the day.

Jerry Blackett, CEO of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce said:

It’s heartening to hear of a long-established Birmingham company like Wesleyan bucking the trend and recruiting more staff. This will be a boost to Birmingham’s reputation for being the UK’s largest centre for financial and professional services, outside of London. Wesleyan is one of the few financial services companies to emerge unscathed from the downturn in this sector. Moreover, as a mutual it has no shareholders and is run for the benefit of its members. In these uncertain times, this single-minded focus has been key to Wesleyan’s success.

Wesleyan currently employs around 1,000 people with around two-thirds based at its Head Office and the remainder forming part of a national sales force. Anyone interested in finding out about the new roles at Wesleyan should visit www.wesleyancareers.co.uk

The agreement was signed at the European Future Energy Forum in London today and will see MIRA's advanced engineering, research and testing expertise brought to bear in the design of a Global Electric Vehicle (GEVCO) concept, as well as an engineering strategy capable of bringing it to market.

Starting with the compact four-seat e-city, the eventual vision is to create a series of electric vehicle platforms with multiple applications - all of which follow GEVCO's Zero Technology Compromise philosophy and incorporate lightweight, recyclable materials alongside next generation powertrain and energy storage technologies - in order to deliver a commercially viable mass-market proposition.

Speaking at the European Future Energy Forum, MIRA CEO Dr George Gillespie said:

Today marks the start of an exciting chapter in the development of a new generation of electric vehicles. Over the coming months a joint MIRA / GEVCO team, based at our global headquarters in Leicestershire, will be applying the advanced technologies and designing concepts capable of meeting global homologation as well as market specific needs.

Uniquely, GEVCO's white label business model dramatically reduces the cost and risk of entry into the competitive e-motive sector. It effectively enables major international corporations to 'own brand' and sell an exciting range of affordable, frugal vehicles in any territory – accessing technologies that will place them ahead of many competitors in the process.

GEVCO founder and CEO Steve Woolley commented:

This collaboration will lead to the creation of a vehicle that achieves a step-change in the way society views personal mobility. We aim to create a Global Electric Vehicle that is technologically advanced, can be personalised to reflect people's lifestyles and social values but is also cool and fun to drive – a car for the iPod generation.

Mark Prisk, Minister for Business & Enterprise, added:

The successful businesses of the future will adapt, and help their customers, adjust to a low-carbon and sustainable world. GEVCO's partnership with MIRA will benefit from the British motor industry's strong research & development skills and technical know-how and will produce a vehicle that could be successful all over the world. It is an example of the type of company the UK needs. I wish them luck in the future.

MIRA works collaboratively on numerous projects and its ability to develop whole vehicle solutions, as well as provide independent consultancy, certification and testing recently saw it take a leading role on the development of Jaguar's Limo Green - which is also on being showcased at ExCel during the European Future Energy Forum.

Business Birmingham, the city’s recently launched inward investment programme, and Screen WM, the regional screen agency for the West Midlands, this week hosted industry representatives from Taiwan to explore the opportunities for trade partnerships and collaboration between Taiwanese businesses and the city’s digital sector.

Business Birmingham and Screen West Midlands hosted Deputy General Director for Taiwan’s Institute for Information Industry, Mr. Stanley Wang, and Deputy Secretary General of the Taiwanese Digital Content Industry Promotion Office (DCIPO), Ms. Wen-Chuan Hung as they looked at opportunities for the Taiwanese business community to forge collaborations and partnerships with UK based companies. The visit to Birmingham is the only UK stop the delegates are making en route to this week’s Mobile Gaming Forum in Malta. Triple I is the Taiwanese NGO responsible for the ICT industries, including digital media, and  currently handles facilitation of international trade partnerships with a value of more than £280m.

Wang and Hung toured the city’s digital sector, meeting businesses at the Birmingham Science Park and Fazeley Studios, including Maverick, Microsoft’s Rare Games Studios, Animation Forum and BCU’s Gamer Camp.

Neil Rami, head of Business Birmingham, said:

Birmingham has an incredibly creative and innovative digital sector that is attracting international recognition and interest.  Asia is a key target for our inward investment drive and we are confident that the city’s digital offering, both as a stand-alone industry and one that generates innovative solutions that can be applied to a range of sectors, is a potentially lucrative opportunity for investors from these markets.

Mr. Stanley Wang, Deputy General Director for Triple-I said:

We have been impressed by Birmingham's digital sector and the innovative spirit of the businesses Screen WM and Business Birmingham introduced us to on our visit to the city. Birmingham’s digital businesses are on the cutting edge and have much to offer the global market. We are excited about the potential for future collaborations between Taiwan and the city.

Jason Hall, Head of Innovation at Screen West Midlands, said:

Screen WM is delighted to have been able to bring these VIPs to Birmingham and to be able to showcase such an impressive array of world-class businesses. It is testament to the strength of the digital media sector in this city, where we can demonstrate expertise across everything from leading games companies to animation, online and broadcast, that we were chosen as the only stop-off in the UK for these influential visitors

There are nearly 3,500 creative businesses, including those in the digital sector, in the city - 10% of the total number of businesses in the city. These businesses employ around 20,000 people (4% of workforce) in the city. Creative business numbers have grown by 20.6% in Birmingham since 2003.

Taiwan has a strong trading relationship with the UK. For example, in the first six months of this year alone the value of goods exported from the UK to Taiwan totalled £476m - an increase of 41% year-on-year. In 2009 UK export of goods to Taiwan reached £750m, In addition, the value of exported UK services totalled £670m.

As well as attracting investment from Asia, Business Birmingham is also focused on attracting investment from other key markets including India, the US, Japan, Germany and France - all of which are markets to which Birmingham can present distinct propositions. 

Industry heavyweights will join speakers from ScreenWM, Warwick Business School and Birmingham Science Park Aston for a day which will celebrate the groundbreaking work carried out in the region as a result of the close links between the region’s academic institutions and private enterprise. As well as showcasing successful work to date, the event will discuss the exciting new trends and technologies emerging which will shape the future of the gaming sector.

Jim Horth, executive producer at Rare Ltd, said:

It is essential that the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators continue to utilise new technologies and talent emerging from the region’s universities. As the games industry merges closer with the digital world it will be increasingly important to collaborate with digital and creative professionals, which is why we are delighted to be working with Birmingham Science Park Aston to promote the innovation agenda and harness fresh game development talent right here in the Midlands.

Matthew Hidderley of Birmingham Science Park Aston said:

Continuing to support and develop the knowledge economy is going to be a crucial tool for our region’s growth and future prosperity. The West Midlands boasts over 21% of the UK games workforce and has become an unrivalled hub for games, serious games and interactive digital media. Initiatives like ours aim to nurture this industry and provide the environment start-ups need to succeed. We are delighted to be putting this showcase event on for over 150 people and thank our partners Birmingham City Council, ScreenWM and Aston University for their continued support.

Philip Oliver, chief executive officer of Blitz Games Studios, said:

When we founded Blitz some 20 years ago there was little or no structured support offered to technology entrepreneurs, so we have always been committed to offer our time and knowledge to new entrants to our industry. For example, our own Blitz 1UP initiative has helped scores of new indie developers to bring their games to market. I’m looking forward to meeting the next generation of talented individuals during Global Entrepreneurship Week and hope we can offer them constructive advice and inspiration.

Also showcasing a diverse variety of new technologies will be over 15 high tech start-up firms who are currently members of BSPA’s Entrepreneurs for the Future incubation scheme.

Anyone interested in attending the Gaming & Digital Technology Day on Tuesday 16th November may register for free at www.FutureGaming.eventbrite.com or call 0121 260 6168 for any further information.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

Abu Dhabi's municipal government signs deal with Birmingham - Zawya

The city of Birmingham in the UK and Abu Dhabi's municipal government have signed a ground-breaking agreement that will see both sides benefit in quite unique ways.

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Marketing Birmingham backs Insider property conference - Insider Media

Marketing Birmingham teams up with Insider to launch the inaugural Midlands Business of Property Conference.

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Birmingham could teach Abu Dhabi a thing or two - The National

Article detailing the announcement of a memorandum of understanding between Abu Dhabi and Birmingham.

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Taiwanese delegates visit Birmingham to discuss digital collaborations - The Business Desk

Representatives from Taiwan’s business community have visited Birmingham to discuss trade alliances with the city’s digital sector

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Tech Groups Blind to Lure of Olympic Gold - The Times

The Prime Minister unveils his vision to create a “land of opportunity” for budding technology entrepreneurs in East London. However, the plan has raised concerns outside the capital. Comment by Neil Rami, Marketing Birmingham Chief Executive

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East End to 'rival' Silicon Valley - Growth Business

International entrepreneurs are to be attracted to a tech hub in London’s East End, the Prime Minister has announced. Comment by Neil Rami.

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Taiwan turns on to Birmingham's Digital Drive - Midlands Business News

Business Birmingham, the city's recently launched inward investment programme, and Screen WM, the regional screen agency for the West Midlands, yesterday hosted industry representatives from Taiwan to explore the opportunities for trade partnerships and collaboration between Taiwanese businesses and the city's digital sector. Comment by Neil Rami.

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Abu Dhabi co-operation accord with Birmingham - Trade Arabia

The city of Birmingham in the UK and Abu Dhabi’s municipal government have signed an agreement for co-operation in the development of local government in Abu Dhabi.

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Big City Plan comes under the spotlight - Business Desk

More than 70 people from the business and property community in Birmingham were briefed on the Big City Plan at a breakfast event.

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Business Leaders get Big City insight - Insider Media

Birmingham’s business and civic leaders have received the latest insight into The Big City Plan. More than 70 business leaders met at the 'Breakfast by Bruntwood' seminar, which also discussed the new Business Birmingham strategy.

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High-tech communication masts are being installed at the Science Park’s Faraday Wharf building as a test-bed to potentially extending the service across central Birmingham. 4G broadband is set to revolutionise mobile broadband, as it has all the flexibility of the current 3G service, but offers a connection speed in excess of the fastest fixed broadband service currently available anywhere in England.

UK Broadband is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PCCW, which is an 18,000 strong organisation that has installed 4G technology across Hong Kong. Birmingham has been selected as UK Broadband’s priority city to showcase the new technology in England. Birmingham City Council, Digital Birmingham and Birmingham Science Park Aston are working with UK Broadband on the trial project to experience the potential of a city-wide cohesive wireless infrastructure. While the technology will not be commercially available until 2012, Birmingham will be best placed to implement 4G at the earliest opportunity, which will benefit businesses, consumers and residents, schools and all other public sector organisations.

Colin Winstone, VP, sales and marketing for UK Broadband said:

We selected Birmingham as our priority city to trial 4G technology because Birmingham City Council is committed to spearheading Digital Districts and understands the vast potential of the latest communications technology. The masts that are currently being installed at Birmingham Science Park Aston will enable us to demonstrate the capability of 4G technology in one location, while we can also draw on our experiences of  installing 8,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across Hong Kong.

David Hardman, managing director of Birmingham Science Park Aston comments:

We are delighted that UK Broadband is making a significant investment to showcase 4G technology at Birmingham Science Park Aston. The ultra-fast connection speed and capabilities of 4G will be of vast benefit to all the technology and gaming companies that are based at the Park and this is hopefully a spring-board for future expansion of the 4G network.

The installation of 4G technology is enabling Birmingham Science Park Aston to become the UK’s first ‘science park without walls’.  From January 2011, Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and start-up businesses will be able to communicate with leading innovators, academics and investors from across the world as if they are sitting in the same room.

This is being made possible due to the Park’s new relationship with technology giant Cisco and through being welcomed onto its Global Exchange for Growth programme. The Ideas and Communications Suite that will be launched at Birmingham Science Park Aston will feature Cisco TelePresence equipment and will create direct links to other centres of creativity locally and in locations such as San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Toronto, Paris, Barcelona and Dubai.

The Park’s Ideas and Communications Suite relies on three further organisations; JANET (UK), the University of Warwick and Tata Communications.

JANET is a publicly funded initiative that connects 18 million end-users across UK education and research institutions. Universities, further education colleges, research councils, specialist colleges and local government are connected to each other through the JANET network, enabling the traditional boundaries of teaching, learning and research methods to be extended with high performance computing facilities and large data storage facilities.

Birmingham Science Park Aston will be linked into the JANET network through specialist exchange equipment donated by the University of Warwick. This equipment has been donated specifically to provide unrivalled access amongst educational and research institutions, SME’s and start-up ventures, who have previously encountered commercial or technical barriers to utilising these technologies.

The University of Warwick will be installing a number of its own Cisco TelePresence suites simultaneously to the creation of the Ideas and Communications Suite, which will be directly linked to the Park. The unique access to the academics at the university – which is ranked as one of the top 35 in the world – will give Birmingham Science Park Aston’s SMEs and start-ups a leading edge in driving their businesses forward. It will also provide the first local connectivity that will help drive regional innovation-led regeneration.In addition, Tata Communications is working with the Science Park to connect to an even wider community. Through Tata’s ‘Communications Global Meeting Exchange’ the science park without walls will be able to schedule virtual business meetings between any of Tata’s Public Telepresence suites located throughout 21 major cities across the globe. This network reach creates a truly global collaboration platform.

Business Birmingham, the city’s official inward investment programme, is launching a Shared Services Network for the Midlands next month as part of plans to target the sector for jobs growth.

The forum will promote opportunities for managers in existing Midlands shared service centres to network and share knowledge while also acting as a key source of expertise and advice to companies researching potential locations for shared service centres.

The decision to launch the forum was prompted by targeted research undertaken by Business Birmingham with senior members of the shared services industry in the Midlands. More than three quarters (81%) of respondents called for the creation of such a forum, with over half (62%) confirming that they were members of similar initiatives in other geographical areas.

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham, which manages Business Birmingham, said:

Shared services is an industry that could help deliver more jobs and investment to the Midlands. There is a clear demand from the sector for this forum and we are keen to build on this appetite to understand their needs in building and expanding their businesses and using this knowledge to inform our approach to potential investors.
This forum will provide us with an invaluable asset when speaking with potential investors as it will demonstrate our understanding of their sector and provide a strong network of experts who are able to provide the ‘soft landing’ they need to get their business off the ground.

Business Birmingham is now working closely with companies such as McDonalds, Rentokil, and Interserve, which run shared service centres in the Midlands, to launch the forum in November. The forum will be chaired by HR specialists to the industry, Robert Walters, and administered by Business Birmingham.

The shared services sector is a high-priority target for Business Birmingham, which has ear-marked the sector as a valuable source of jobs. Over half of respondents (57%) confirmed that they located their centres in the Midlands owing to an historical legacy of operations in the region.

Steve Randall, Managing Director of Robert Walters, UK Regions, commented:

Robert Walters is delighted to see how the Midlands Shared Services networking forum is adding real momentum to the growing number of world class shared services centres in the Midlands. The forums provide an ideal opportunity for thought leaders and senior professionals to get together, discuss and debate trends, opportunities and challenges that the region has to face and embrace. With companies such at Interserve, AT&T, HMV Waterstones, Rentokil and McDonalds proactively participating in the forum no doubt there will be significant value to gain from attending the events.

Lee Brittain, Head of Shared Services at Rentokil Initial, supports the network:

The development of a West Midlands forum will underpin the great work that currently takes place in the numerous Shared Service Centres across the Region. The enablement of a platform to share best practice, knowledge & experience is valuable and over time this should serve to attract new organisations to the area, which will bring new jobs and opportunities to what is a cost-effective and truly central location in the UK.

The first event will take place on 10 November at Eleven Brindleyplace. Interested parties should visit the Events Calendar to sign up to the event and find out further information.

Birmingham’s shared service centre credentials:

• Impressive names - including Ernst & Young, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Davis Langdon - have already set up Shared Service centres in the city.
• Birmingham is home to the UK’s largest professional and financial services sector outside London; and is the UK’s second largest city.
• Birmingham boasts a large pool of skilled, well educated and multi-lingual labour, particularly in Finance, IT and Human Resources with over 100,000 already employed in the city’s professional and financial services sector.
• Quality of life above that of many other leading cities such as Prague, Dubai, and Hong Kong; and house prices are an average of 61% lower than London. • Office costs: average prime rentals are just £27.50 per sq ft in Birmingham compared with £59.25 in London.

Leader of Birmingham City Council, Mike Whitby, will join His Excellency Rashid Mubarak Al Hajeri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA), to sign a formal ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MOU).

The MOU is just the latest step in an economic strategy of engagement with the vast potential of Middle Eastern and Gulf states, to showcase Birmingham as an investment friendly city to rival the capital.

Under the terms of the agreement Birmingham City Council will offer support, advice and consultancy to help the DMA set up and develop a local government structure in Abu Dhabi. In exchange officials from Abu Dhabi will offer Birmingham direct support in facilitating meetings and introductions, and advising and advocating credentials, to some of the most important and able private and state backed investors across the UAE and the Gulf.

The MOU builds further upon a relationship between Abu Dhabi and Birmingham which dates back to Cllr Whitby’s 2009 visit to the Emirates, and has seen a series of inward investment delegations already visit the UK.

Councillor Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council said

This partnership offers fantastic opportunities for Birmingham to gain direct access to some of the wealthiest and most ambitious investors in the world. Though this is based on mutual benefit this MOU has been signed with genuine warmth and friendship that will be the basis of its success.” “For too long the rest of the world has only really had the capital city pushed as the major investment possibility in the UK. Today we are starting the journey that says that Birmingham offers unrivalled opportunity as a city ripe for global investment.

Cllr Whitby continued,

We will work with those that share our vision for the city and with projects like the Big City Plan, we can show people the future potential of Birmingham. We have been looking to develop the many commercial and cross cultural opportunities that exist for the city of Birmingham outside of the UK, and in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi we have found a partner that parallels our thinking and our vision of excellence. It is also a great endorsement of our city that from the entire world they have chosen Birmingham as the model for how to develop successful local governance structures.

The MOU will be effective for 5 years, with an option to further extend the arrangement into the future. The MOU also builds on the launch earlier this month of Business Birmingham, the city’s new inward investment strategy. The strategy aims to deliver some 7,000 jobs over the next four years by attracting investment into sectors identified as key strengths of the city including financial services, transport technologies; shared services and business process outsourcing and emerging opportunities such as digital media, low carbon R&D and medical technologies.

H.E. Rashid Mubarak Hajeri, said:

We’re keen to show the world how we’re transforming Abu Dhabi and working to make our 2030 vision a reality. By partnering with Birmingham City Council, we can learn from their experiences to inform and drive our ambitious plans and achieve recognition for our accomplishments so far.

At today’s CBI Annual Conference David Cameron announced the government’s plans to create “a new economic dynamism” through a three-point ‘Strategy for Growth’.

The strategy will create a framework for enterprise and business investment, use resources to drive those industries where Britain enjoys a competitive advantage and use the power of government it make it easier for new companies and innovations to flourish.

In response to the announcement, Neil Rami, head of Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme, highlighted the need for the strategy’s resulting growth and prosperity to be spread throughout the regions.

The government is starting to flesh out its plans to grow the private sector, but businesses still want to see more meat on the bones. Inward investment is crucially important to fill the gaps in the economy left by public spending cuts and, when you consider where these cuts are happening, it’s in areas outside of the South East where inward investment is most needed. Just as cuts need to be fair, so does growth. “We recently conducted a survey of 500 business leaders and 77 per cent think there should be greater focus on spreading economic prosperity around the UK. Infrastructure projects like high speed rail will certainly help, but in the nearer future businesses across the UK would welcome less red-tape, which currently costs businesses £80 billion per year.

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

Business Chiefs Demand Clarity on growth - Financial Times

Leading politicians’ efforts to impress business with their vision to promote private sector growth fell short on Monday as industry leaders welcomed the government’s self-proclaimed “relentless focus on growth” – but criticised the lack of a coherent plan.

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Clouds of Gloom show signs of dispersal - Financial Times

Things are looking up for the West Midlands – new jobs and more investment coming in.

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A new inward investment era for Birmingham - Birmingham Post

Business Birmingham launches new era for attracting investment to city.

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• Perceived lack of transferable skills and jobs shortage deflate hopes for private sector careers
• Survey of business leaders underlines requirement to support redundant workers while growing the private sector
• Retraining and outplacement programmes needed to give jobless a helping hand

As the Treasury prepares to announce possibly the biggest public sector job cuts since the end of the Second World War, a survey of 505 business leaders shows that redundant public sector workers will face a battle to secure new private sector jobs.  

Nearly six in ten business people (58 per cent) say it will be difficult for public sector workers to find a new position at their company while only 11 per cent say it will be easy. The situation for redundant staff in the North of England appears to be the gloomiest as 63 per cent of business leaders in that area think it would be difficult for them to find new jobs in their company. Despite the high proportion of jobs in the Midlands that are in the public sector, business leaders there are the most positive about redundant staff finding a job at their company. However, 50 per cent still think it will be difficult for them to do so. 

The research from Business Birmingham, the city’s inward investment programme, underlines the importance of supporting the jobless to embark on new careers. Respondents identified the two most important ways to help staff secure new jobs in business as being: support for businesses that want to retrain public sector workers (37 per cent), and outplacement programmes where organisations give job and career advice to staff facing redundancy (31 per cent).

Treasury plans suggest 660,000 jobs will be cut from the public sector and it is hoped that a growing private sector will take up the slack.

“It is imperative for the economy that the swathes of public sector workers facing redundancy are helped into new jobs in the private sector,”

comments Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham, which this week launched the Business Birmingham programme.

“A perceived lack of transferable skills and a shortage of jobs in the public sector will make finding a new job an uphill struggle into a headwind, unless they are given a helping hand on their way. Financial support and advice for businesses that wish to retrain workers will help ‘pull’ them into the private sector and outplacement programmes providing job and career advice can help ‘push’ them into a fruitful career in business. Most importantly, the private sector needs to grow and create new jobs, particularly in the locations that are most dependent on the public sector.”

The Bank of England has warned that public sector workers who lose their jobs may have to move to other parts of the country to find work and 20 per cent of business leaders think that encouraging them to move is the best way to help them to find new work.

Neil Rami continues: “Private sector growth is vital to offset forthcoming public sector cuts and the UK and its various cities and regions needs to rise to the challenge. This is why we have launched our Business Birmingham inward investment programme which plans to create 6,700 new jobs by 2015, with an over-arching, long-term vision for Birmingham to become a leading global business city.”

Jerry Blackett, CEO, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, comments:

“Support, both for people who have lost their jobs and for businesses that could provide new employment, is vital to avoid an economic winter of discontent. Currently, the cost of employing new staff is too high and businesses are becoming entangled in red tape at a time when freedom and flexibility are needed.”

Marketing Birmingham unveils its game plan to attract more jobs to the city with Business Birmingham, the brand for an ambitious new global investment sales and marketing strategy.

Business Birmingham will form the backbone of activity for the new investment function which transferred to the public/private partnership from Birmingham City Council in mid September. A new Investment Director has been appointed to lead the strategy, which is focussed on bringing new investment into the city.

The immediate targets for the strategy include the creation of 6,700 new jobs by 2015, with an over-arching, long-term vision for Birmingham to become a leading global business city. It will form the investment element of the 20-year Big City Plan, ensuring Birmingham’s future business growth will be closely aligned to its development - the first time that the city has officially linked both strategies.

The investment sales and marketing strategy has been developed with advice from global location specialists IBM-PLI. Target sectors include: transport technologies; shared services and business process outsourcing, financial services; public sector functions and emerging opportunities such as digital media, low carbon R&D and medical technologies.

The inward investment function at Marketing Birmingham will be led by a new specialist investment team that will be charged with ensuring Birmingham punches its weight as an investment location. A new Investment Director, that will lead the team, has been recruited following a high-profile selection process. Wouter Schuitemaker, currently Head of Asia Pacific at Think London - the capital’s inward investment agency – has attracted significant new investment into the UK including projects with Canon, Nomura and Samsung Electronics. Originally from Solihull, Wouter also has extensive international commercial experience including business development roles at WPP and INTAGE Inc Japan.

Birmingham’s profile as a business destination will be highlighted through a strategic marketing campaign that will target corporate audiences nationally and internationally. The campaign, which commences in November, will showcase: the strength of the city’s talent pool, its strong education base; its attractive geographic location and its scale, which enables it to absorb large business functions. The campaign will also highlight the city’s enterprise culture and strong business networks that have a track record of welcoming newcomers to the city. A new website, www.businessbirmingham.com, goes live today, and will be supported by advertising and editorial in national business and trade media and major transport hubs.

The sales strategy will focus on partnerships with existing international networks and an extension of the ‘Team Birmingham’ approach that has enjoyed success in other sectors such as events and conferencing most recently demonstrated at this year’s Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham. It also aims to build stronger operational links with UKTI the national body charged with attracting foreign direct investment to the UK.

Birmingham and the West Midland attracted 5% of total foreign direct investment into the United Kingdom in 2009.

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, believes Birmingham is now in a strong position to increase its share of this market:

“I’m delighted to see the progress we have made in bringing this new investment strategy forward. We have set the new Inward Investment Team a challenging target to deliver at least 6,700 new jobs to the city and elevate Birmingham’s position as a leading business destination. To do this at a time when public resources are under real pressure will require strategic and targeted activity, and strong collaboration with the city’s business community.”

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham, said:

“Business Birmingham is not just a campaign led by Marketing Birmingham, it is a long-term sales and marketing strategy that must draw together organisations and institutions from across Birmingham to grow the private sector over the next 20 years. We have proven through our success in the visitor economy that our approach can generate real dividends. We now aim to use that experience in tackling this wider challenge.”

Jerry Blackett, Chief Executive of Birmingham Chamber Group, said:

“The business community is committed to addressing the real and serious need to promote private sector growth in Birmingham – this is where the Team Birmingham ethos comes into play. Birmingham Chamber Group will be a close partner with Neil and the new investment team. We have an international network in place alongside experience in FDI work which will be a valuable asset to the new strategy.”

Birmingham launches 20 year development vision.

As well as outlining specific areas where the Council will concentrate its resources in the future, ‘Stage Two’ of the plan also highlights individual projects, schemes and infrastructure which it plans to develop and defines specialist quarters/areas where particular types of investment and development will be encouraged.

Birmingham City Council Leader Cllr Whitby said: “I have been a champion of the Big City Plan since its inception in 2007 – and have been proud to launch it internationally in China, Europe and in the Middle East.

“Now, we are taking the plan to the next level – where we transform vision into delivery, and create the framework for 50,000 new jobs in Birmingham’s City Centre. We are making a bold statement, prioritising the areas and projects which can and will be transformed despite the financial challenges the UK faces.

“Our Big City Plan will provide a clear blueprint for investors, businesses and residents alike – with the detail, the grain and the soul, which I believe will inspire imaginations across the world – and capture billions of extra investment and value for our local economy.

“Against a challenging backdrop we know delivery is more important than ever, and our plan acknowledges the importance of the private sector working more closely than ever before with the public sector, whilst embracing the need for exciting new funding mechanisms like Accelerated Development Zones.”

Key objectives of the plan are to deliver significant change in the city centre, supporting sustainable growth, creating new and improved public spaces, giving streets back to pedestrians and enhancing cultural life in the heart of the city.

The plan addresses how future economic growth can be achieved by expanding the City Core area by over 25%, and in the process delivering:

• In excess of 1.5 million sq metres of new office, retail, leisure and cultural floorspace
• 50,000 new jobs
• A £2.1 billion growth in the local economy per annum
• Five key areas of transformation based around New Street Station, Westside, the Snow Hill District, Eastern Core Expansion and The Southern Gateway
• 65,000 sq metres of new and improved public spaces and 28,000 metres of enhanced walking and cycling routes
• Over 5,000 new homes to attract more families.
• Sets out the value and role of heritage in supporting the creation of an authentic city centre.
• Visionary proposals for each of the city centre quarters – the City Core, Eastside, Southside and Highgate, The Jewellery Quarter, Westside and Ladywood, Digbeth and The Gunsmiths’ Quarter

The masterplan will be supported by statutory planning tools, utilising the Core Strategy and supplementary planning documents, to enable the change of land use and to assist development activities.

Stage one of the Big City Plan commenced in February 2007 with the new city centre masterplan emerging from the recommendations of ‘The Birmingham City Centre Masterplan: The Visioning Study’ produced by Professor Michael Parkinson CBE. This called for a strategic approach to developing the city centre which should cut across public and private sector organisations alike, and bring all their individual long-term plans together in one place.

Work commenced in August 2007 to develop the concepts, objectives and Big City Plan brand, culminating in the publication of the Big City Plan Work in Progress Report.  This document was made available for public consultation from December 2008 to January 2009.

As part of stage one, the city council and its partners made significant progress with key investments; headlines include the £600 million Gateway Project to deliver the redevelopment of New Street Station; The £193 million city council investment in the Library of Birmingham to create one of the largest libraries in Europe; and support for over £500 million worth of private sector development projects.

To view the detailed proposals go to www.bigcityplan.org.uk

There is a lot happening in Birmingham.  It’s very easy to pick out the key themes of the city – the centre, a hub, exciting, collaborative, a broad range of culture... the place to be.

Access to new graduate talent is an important factor in the decision for big business to come to Birmingham.  As a city, we want to build the city of choice for the young professional – we want to create a real alternative to London.  That plan takes many forms, but if you look around you – it is happening as we speak.

Take the new library on Broad Street as an example of the change happening within the city.  Take a look back to the election campaign, where the debate in Birmingham was perhaps the defining debate of the election.  This was followed up by the Conservatives holding their first party conference here as the new government.  Last week, business leaders from across the city were consulting with policy makers, putting their company’s views across on what will be needed to help get Britain moving again.  No other city had that access.

What about Culture – if Birmingham is to be the destination of choice then it has to offer something for everyone?  Well, only a few weeks ago we hosted Arts Fest, the biggest free Arts Festival in Europe.  Hello Digital is just around the corner, showcasing the developments in digital technology that are taking place in Birmingham.  The cities restaurants are proud owners of 3 Michelin Stars.  Take a look in the Mailbox and the Bull Ring – the UK’s top retailers are here.

What about the city as a destination?  Well, more and more people are seeing the iconic buildings within the city through the filming of programmes like Hustle and Survivors.  Add to that the continual development of the transport network, with work on the New Street Gateway already underway.
Then you consider the professionals services sector.  This year saw the tenth Birmingham Young Professional of the Year, the fifth Graduate Apprentice.  Both BYPY and the Apprentice are unique to Birmingham – it’s another sign of the innovation taking place in the city.

Birmingham is a choice for a graduate looking to begin their career – and it is a real alternative to London.  With world class universities continuing to produce more students each year, the city will continue to offer individuals the opportunity to not only start their career here, but to build it here, and to become the business leaders of tomorrow.

As Marketing Birmingham launches its inward investment campaign, it puts new graduate talent at the heart of the development of the city’s professional services sector.  Business Birmingham will target the already strong sectors within the city and those ripe for growth, including the 100,000-strong professional services sector, looking to create 6,700 new jobs by 2015.  

Business Birmingham will seek to develop the city into a leading global business city... the place to be.  It will build on the fantastic networks that the city has already developed, and encourage the enterprise nature of the individuals in the city to continue driving us all forward.

We are proud that Marketing Birmingham has chosen to support this event, which clearly shows its commitment to nurturing the graduate talent in Birmingham.  Its work makes Birmingham a real player in the global economy.

“I am so pleased to see the investment being made in our inward investment activity. The IBM PLI research is impressive and passes the test of intuition too. We have always believed we are a national champion for sectors like low-carbon auto/environmental technologies/medical and F&PS.

We have now just had this confirmed by the IBM work. It is exciting to have Marketing Birmingham in the position to provide a point of co-ordination for all the supporting activity that is going on across the city that together can maximise our collective sales efforts. The universities; science parks, colleges, for example. The Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group and all our international trade work. The professions. The manufacturers. The creative industries. Our digital assets. And so much more. We are now at the point where we can pool our knowledge and really sweat "Team Birmingham". 

Although the competition is fierce, we know there are still significant investment sums in pension funds and other asset funds around the world, looking for long-term investment opportunities. Our Big City Plan signals very clearly the £billions of opportunity on our doorstep and we have a every reason to be optimistic about our combined capability to give confidence to investors. The Big Society and the push to put the private sector in the forefront of driving economic growth plays to our strengths.  It's how Birmingham was built and it is how we will build further the 21st century chapter of our story.”

West Midlands businesses to explore digital opportunities at Hello Business Conference

They will deliver a series of interactive seminars and workshops to help SMEs utilise digital technologies and learn how their implementation can increase profitability.

The Hello Business conference, which is part of the Hello Digital Week, is now in its third year and will offer insight, advice and support from a network of experts, helping businesses better understand how to make the most of digital technologies, giving them the tools and knowledge to innovate and grow.

Taking place on October 21st and 22nd across two of Birmingham’s top venues: the ICC and the Custard Factory, the programme focuses on creating and fostering new innovative collaborations and business partnerships, enabling access into new and profitable business tools and positioning Birmingham at the heart of digital innovation. 

Covering a range of topics such as making the switch to digital, understanding the risks, managing change and technology and marketing digitally, the 2-day conference will feature business master classes, digital surgeries, transformation workshops, pitch training and a Hello Business Marketplace.

Councillor Paul Tillsey of Birmingham City Council said: “We’re extremely excited about this year’s programme of events. Not only will the conference feature some of Europe’s leading experts in international business and digital technology such as Horst Hortner, Neelie Kroes, Julie Meyer and Noah Falstein, but visitors will also be given the opportunity to attend business surgeries on subjects ranging from social media to search engine optimisation. 

“Innovation and differentiation are more vital than ever in today’s economic climate. Hello Business will enable visitors, whatever level of understanding they have of digital, to learn and understand the tools and models available to assist in their development and growth.

“By utilising the tools and techniques explored throughout the conference, businesses will be able to unlock opportunities that can increase market share and profitability. The advice given by these leading business professionals could prove instrumental to the success and survival of a business in today’s unpredictable economic conditions.

“At this year’s conference Digital Birmingham has ensured that the sessions are addressing real and current challenges to businesses across all sectors, whether it’s manufacturing, professional services or the creative industries. It is for this reason that we predict this year’s conference will be our biggest yet.”

Hello Business will be taking place at Birmingham’s ICC and the new Zellig building at the Custard Factory on the 21st and 22nd October 2010. For more information please visit www.hellobusiness.net

Please contact the Business Birmingham PR team if you would like further information.

Doing Business in the West Midlands - Financial Times

Financial Times special report on Birmingham and the wider region.

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Mapping British Business - The Times

The Times report on Birmingham as a business destination.

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