Word from the Chairman: Matt Taylor
Wow! What a way to start my year as chairman of Birmingham Future! On the 17 July, at our AGM, which was kindly hosted by Etc Venues, I took over the reins from Alex Bishop in front of a sell out audience. It would be nice to think they were all there to hear my inaugural speech (excerpts of which you can read further down), but no doubt the launch of the 2008 Birmingham Future Power 50, in association with the Birmingham Post, was what really pulled in the crowds. Once again the judges, chaired by John Edwards, the former chief executive of AWM, did a fantastic job in producing a list that represents the rich diversity of talent that Birmingham can lay claim to. As chairman, I’m looking forward to getting involved in next year’s judging process. I’m also looking forward to working with and getting to know you, the members of Birmingham Future. To coin the phrase of one of my predecessors, Birmingham Future is an organisation run by its members, for its members, so we all have a role to play in its future success. Over the next 12 months I will be looking to the members to get more involved to help drive forward my three themes – collaboration, particularly in the area of creative industries, education and skills, and personal social responsibility. These are areas I believe we can make a real difference. So all that’s left for me to say, until next month, is thank you for your continued support of Birmingham Future and I hope to see you all soon at one of our many events.
News & Events
AGM & Power 50 Launch
On Thursday 17th July Birmingham Future held its 15th Annual General Meeting. The biggest in its history so far, guests were welcomed by Alex Bishop as she gave her emotional final speech as the Chairman of Birmingham Future and passed the baton to Matt Taylor. Matt said in his speech:
“I’m both honoured and privileged to take on this role, and while it feels a little daunting, I'm confident that, with your support, we will be able to achieve our goals and continue to build on our position as the voice of the young professionals in this city.”
To read Alex and Matt’s full speeches please click here. A copy of the annual report has been circulated to all members and is also available for download here.
The AGM was followed by the launch of the 2008 Birmingham Future Power 50, in association with The Birmingham Post. The Power 50 list includes those most influential round Birmingham and is always controversial. The supplement had purposefully been held back on arrival to keep the audience in suspense. The judges had spent a whole day reviewing all nominations and debating who should go where……….Liam Byrne was voted number 1. Do you agree/disagree? To have your say on the Power 50 visit http://blogs.birminghampost.net/power50/
Future Focus
The next in the series of our big Future Focus interviews is here – we caught up with Birmingham Forward Chairman Richard Edwards Senior Managing Partner at Deloitte.
1. What do you think Birmingham Forward’s biggest achievement/contribution will be in the next 12 months? With many important issues facing the city as a whole and the business community in general, I hope that when we review Birmingham Forward’s contribution during the year we will be able to point to more than one achievement. I hope our work with the Colmore Business Improvement District will be viewed as a major success, as our support for the runway extension at Birmingham Airport is too. A theme during my year is to galvanise our sector to be champions of Brand Birmingham. We all need to promote Birmingham nationally and internationally. This is very close to my heart and I believe vital for our continued prosperity. Put simply, we need more businesses that have headquarters here; we all need clients to serve.
2. In what ways do you see the role of Future members influencing the shape of our city? I have been impressed to see how Birmingham Future uses its collective voice to make a strong, positive contribution to the key issues facing the city. The way Future has taken part in the consultation around the Birmingham Big City Plan and the respect that has been shown for that contribution is impressive. This is a perfect example of how Future can influence what happens in our city. You are passionate about the future shape of the city and embrace environmental issues, personal & corporate social responsibility and transportation. Birmingham Future is an important voice and one I know should and will only get stronger.
3. What do you think sets Birmingham Forward and Birmingham Future apart from other membership organisations? In a city that enjoys such a diverse business community there is a place for a wide range of representative professional bodies. Why are we different? We have a focussed and clearly defined membership base which enables us to focus on the areas of business and regional life that can have an influence on our members. We represent a very important sector, the largest professional and financial services community outside London. We make a significant contribution to the city’s reputation and prosperity as a business centre, so we represent a vital constituency.
4. What do you think will be the next 'big thing' in Birmingham business and why? Thanks for a difficult question! Difficult because every business faces challenges and opportunities. In general terms, I would say that rather than identifying the next 'big thing' we should focus on the professional sector maintaining its position as an existing “big thing” in Birmingham! Let’s continue to grow our reputation as a centre of excellence, attracting inward investment, creating more jobs and securing our position as the first choice to base and to do business.
5. Is there anything you would change about Birmingham? A sometimes frustrating trait of the people of Birmingham is our modesty. Although an attractive quality in some aspects of life, it can be negative when it comes to promoting this great city. We have much to offer, a welcoming and successful city that can proudly take its place as an important global city. We are not always good at telling this story. We seem almost embarrassed about what we can offer. We shouldn’t be. Arrogant no- but proud of what we have achieved and let’s all be positive ambassadors for our city.
6. What do you feel has been your biggest contribution to the City? I hope that not too many of my colleagues would say it was when I left Birmingham to work in Reading! It is far better for others to judge your contribution – my turn to have that Birmingham modesty! I am certainly proud of my contribution of building up the scale of the Corporate Finance sector in the city. We have a vibrant marketplace and a good reputation.
7. How do you think Birmingham sets itself apart from other cities in the UK or even globally? I will borrow here from Lord Digby Jones. He says and I agree that Birmingham is an open city. By that he means we are welcoming, nurturing and encouraging to anyone who wishes to make their home and career here. We are a truly diverse and innovative city. We adapt and work hard. We are often at the centre of things geographically and intellectually. Once known as the city of a thousand trades we can now lay claim to being the city of a thousand services. Friendly, welcoming, focussed, successful good values in which to build for the future.
8. What advice would you give to our enthusiastic and passionate Future members for becoming successful in their careers? In my job I get to work with young professionals at various stages of their careers. Yet I often dispense the same advice. To be successful you need to have some core values. Honesty and integrity in business should be at the heart of your philosophy. You will also need to hone your skills, be focussed and work hard. I believe it is vital to be known in your marketplace, build a profile and be liked, or at the very least, be respected. There are many knowledgeable people in business, but if you have honesty, respect and likeability- this will be a successful formula. The best advice I received was simple; Tell the truth always- people know it anyway!
9. If you had one hour to show a first time visitor to Birmingham around the city, where would you take them and why? I spend much of my life in Brindleyplace, so this is my chosen location. It’s an inspirational development with a European feel and atmosphere with its business, leisure and entertainment mix. A pleasurable place in which to spend time.
10. Villa or City? My loyalties lie elsewhere! I have always been a fan of Manchester United and have been seen in a gold scarf supporting my local team Wolves.
The Graduate Apprentice 2008 is Hired!
Birmingham Future's Graduates Into Employment Committee has appointed its third Graduate Apprentice, Mayur Murali. Back in June, whilst Alan Sugar was busy in his boardroom appointing his Apprentice, Mayur was going through the competitive selection process to become The Graduate Apprentice 2008. Mayur, originally from Buckinghamshire is a biological sciences graduate from the University of Warwick and was selected ahead of a field of high calibre candidates. He will carry out three work placements in the professional and financial services sectors, starting at Deloitte before moving on to property management firm LMM and SME business consultants, VC Consulting.
Ahead of his official start date in September, Mayur was able to experience a taste of things to come at a 'You're Hired' event, attended by representatives from the three placement firms and Birmingham Future. Current Apprentice, Jason Norris, gave Mayur a tour of the city, during which he got to visit each of the offices of the placement firms, and after a quick photo shoot he then joined a number of guests for drinks and a meal. Mayur now heads off to visit the USA and the Far East for seven weeks before returning to Birmingham to take up the coveted role of The Graduate Apprentice 2008. Congratulations Mayur!
To read how Jason Norris is doing as he approaches the end of his year as The Graduate Apprentice 2007 visit his blog at www.jasonnorris.co.uk
Pictured– l to r – Shihab Hossain (VC-consulting), Rachel Hewson (Deloitte), Giles Horwitch-Smith (LMM), Mayur Murali (The Graduate Apprentice 2008)
Recent Events
3rd July - Speed Networking at The Vaults Another one of our fabulous Speed Networking events took place at The Vaults, where members were treated to the exciting and fast paced round of speed networking. Again this event was a resounding success with all members who attended thoroughly enjoying themselves.
15th July - How to buy in Birmingham at The Rep Nearly 50 Future members attended the "How to buy in Birmingham" event to find out whether buying in the city centre is a sound long term investment. Birmingham Future lined up a panel of experts and best known developers in the city such as Crosby Lend Lease and Crest Nicholson. Accompanied by an Independent Financial Advisor they explained what is out there for first time buyers and also pointed out the difficulties facing today's purchasers.
Dates for your diary – Future’s future events
Tuesday, August 5 from 12 noon Meet and Mix Lunch with BYPY 2008 Anthony McCourt Thai Edge, 7 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2HL This event is already fully booked, as the meet and mix lunches are always hugely popular – tip for the future is to get in early for a place at one of these!
Monday, August 11 – from 17.45 Successful Development – ‘Time Management’ PricewaterhouseCoopers, Cornwall Court, 19 Cornwall Street, Birmingham, B3 2DT. For those of you that find there are never enough hours in the day – and those who might like to create a better work life balance this seminar is a must. To book places contact Isabel at the Future office – Isabel@birminghamforward.co.uk
Thursday, August 28 – from 18.00 - Wii Olympics The Studio, Cannon Street, Birmingham B2 5EP. Possibly the most exciting sporting event of the summer – who cares about China, we’ll be battling to find Birmingham’s supreme Wii remote wielding champion!!! To book places for this event (do it early to avoid disappointment) contact Martina at the Future office – martina@birminghamforward.co.uk
The Big Debate
On the 15th September from 12-2.30pm, Birmingham City University, Birmingham Future, NEC and Birmingham Post invite you to the "Big Debate". Looking at Grrreen, life and the workplace. The debate features an influential panel, led by Richard Bilton, previously BBC's social and environmental correspondent and now special correspondent for BBC, who has covered a wide range of issues from 9/11 to the foot and mouth crisis.
Richard will be joined by shadow environment secretary, Peter Ainsworth, influential design expert and blogger of treehugger.com Leonora Oppenheim and Marks and Spencer's General Merchandising Manager, Sarah Savoury. Birmingham City University would like you to assist with the debate by completing their online questionnaire www.survey.bris.ac.uk/bcu/greenattitude Further information about how to attend the event will be supplied nearer the time, but please go and complete the online survey!
The B1G Idea Podcast
Check out the latest episodes of the B1G Idea podcasts, which this month tackle the issues of 'Where to buy in Birmingham?', following Birmingham Future's recent successful event of the same name, and 'Health and Well-being'. As usual, as well as an introduction by the Birmingham Future chairman, Matt Taylor, the podcasts include the views and opinions of industry experts, along with those expressed by Future members.
To listen to episodes nine and ten, visit www.b1gidea.co.uk. The podcasts can also be downloaded as MP3 files so that you can listen to them at your leisure.
The B1G Idea is a Birmingham City University and Birmingham Future experiment in podcasting and related discussions to supplement the meetings already organised by Birmingham Future. It is an opportunity for a different kind of discussion and interaction between professionals who might not otherwise meet face-to-face due to time pressure and other commitments.
Out and about in Birmingham
Our intrepid reviewer – Lise-Ann Brennan from Kleinwort Benson has visited yet another of Birmingham’s hottest spots to supply a low down on what’s on offer…
Urban Pie, Bullring, Brimingham, B5 4BE - www.urbanpie.co.uk
A trip to Urban Pie last week means Fridays shall henceforth be forever referred to as ‘Pie Day Friday’! Not that you shouldn’t find a reason to go any other day of the week, in fact with pies this tasty every day could be Pie Day Friday! With the strap line ‘Gourmet, handmade pies, deep filled with the finest ingredients’ if you are looking forward to something resembling an anaemic halftime pie from the footy I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed.
Rob and I decided to end our week with a hard earned lunch. We arrived just before 1pm and were pleased to find we didn’t have to queue for too long, this place is usually hopping at lunchtimes! The menu is diverse with options ranging from the old faithful’s Steak and Kidney or Chicken and Ham, to the more exotic Thai Green Chicken or Breakfast Pie?! Your chosen pie comes with optional extras of mash, gravy, peas, baked beans and mushy peas all served in a cardboard box, which opens out into a handy little plate.
We were lucky to have a good selection when we arrived but as this place is so popular some pies do tend to sell out. Rob chose the Steak and Kidney, with mushy peas, mash and gravy, whilst I opted for the Seasonal Vegetable with mushy peas. Both pies were well filled and the pastry was perfectly cooked. My Seasonal Veg included asparagus and carrots among others, all delicately coated in a creamy white sauce, whilst Rob’s Steak and Kidney’s were well balanced in very tasty gravy. The extras went down well too, with the mushy peas striking a perfect balance between pea and mush, and mash that looked both smooth and delicious.
There are meal deals available and for under a fiver you can have a fantastic lunch of good quality fresh food. They also do kids pies and meal deals for the little ones, so if you’re wondering what to do with the nippers this summer bring them to Bullring for a pie!! You can dine both inside and alfresco and if you head down after 5pm the pies are ½ price, you can even buy them to go and cook at home!!
Alternative options:
The Mash House, www.themashhouse.com
Handmade Burger Company, www.handmadeburger.co.uk
Little things big difference
Decline plastic bags wherever possible - Every person in the UK uses up to 167 plastic bags every year. That's 10 billion bags all together. All sitting in huge land fill sites producing tons of methane gas. And if you consider a plastic bag can take up to 500 years to decay you realise "Houston, we've got a problem." Well, there is an alternative. It's called a shopping bag and apparently in France, it's very chic. Failing that, start by just using fewer bags at the check out, or better still, take old bags with you to the shops when you can.
Fit at least one energy-saving light bulb - They're not cheap, these energy saving light bulbs, but over their lifetime they'll save you £65 and a lot more besides. In fact if every British household fitted just three bulbs enough energy would be saved to supply the entire country's urban lighting. (who does work this stuff out?). So lower bills over a year and a cleaner planet... err, why wouldn't you adopt this action?
Birmingham – did you know?
Major John Hall-Edwards - The use of X-rays for medical purposes was pioneered by Major John Hall-Edwards in Birmingham. He is today remembered by a plaque at the former General (now Children’s) Hospital.
Where a King Stood - Probably the oldest man-made “structure” within the City of Birmingham is an unprepossessing mound, about 60’ across but only about 4’ high, standing unnoticed alongside the B4138 North West of the City.
Birmingham Future, One Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BD
Telephone: +44 (0)121 632 2200 Fax: +44 (0)121 632 2201
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