Birmingham Development Company puts its weight behind BYPY’s 10th anniversary

Birmingham Development Company (BDC) is set to sponsor Birmingham Young Professional of the Year’s 10th anniversary awards ceremony.

BDC, the current employer of 2008 Birmingham Young Professional of the Year (BYPY) winner Anthony McCourt, has replaced law firm Cobbetts, which supported the event for two years running, as main sponsor.

The developer, which is behind The Mailbox and The Cube, decided to come on board for BYPY’s 10th anniversary, which organisers Birmingham Future have promised will be an impressive celebration to mark a decade of rewarding the city’s young talent.

BYPY chairman, Darren Walker, an associate in the corporate team at Cobbetts, said: “Birmingham Development Company is an ideal main sponsor for our 10th anniversary and with their support we believe this year’s BYPY will be the best yet.

“We’re thrilled that they have decided to back us, particularly in view of the fact that in working with Anthony they have firsthand experience of the talent that BYPY has recognised previously and will continue to recognise in the future.

“We have reached an important milestone this year and we’re looking forward to celebrating with Birmingham’s business community in May.”

Alan Chatham, director at BDC, said: “Our company’s ethos has always focused on nurturing young talent, so the decision to become main sponsor of this year’s BYPY made perfect sense to us, particularly as it complements our commitment to Birmingham Future and continued investment as a developer within Birmingham.

“With two major projects currently in development in the city, The Cube which is set for completion in late summer, and the former Post & Mail building, plans for which will be revealed imminently, we’re always looking to support and invest in a dynamic and young team to bring these ambitious projects to fruition.

“With high calibre university students graduating from the city year on year, it’s important to harness this local talent and formally recognise the value and efforts of our leaders of tomorrow through the BYPY scheme.” 

Last year’s awards saw Suzie Branch of BHMG Marketing crowned Birmingham Young Professional of the Year. Ms Branch, who won the Communications category, went on to beat five other successful finalists from the Financial, Legal, Recruitment and Training, Property and Construction and Entrepreneurial sectors, taking the top spot of overall BYPY winner.

If you would like to nominate yourself or a colleague entry forms for BYPY are available on the website www.birminghamyoungprofessional.co.uk. Entries must be received no later than Monday 1st March.

For more information about BYPY 2010, which will take place at the ICC on Thursday 27 May, email Isabel Drabble from Birmingham Future Isabel@birminghamforward.co.uk or call 0121 632 2201.