Word from the Chairman
Future's Graduates into Employment committee has changed its name (see below). So what, you might think. A name is just a name. True, but in this case it also signifies a change of focus and direction for the committee in response to the changing needs and views of Birmingham's businesses. It's no longer just about making sure graduates can get jobs in the city, it's about retaining the talent we already have and ensuring we don't lose out to other major cities. At a time when young professionals are losing their jobs, ensuring we retain the talent we do have in Birmingham will be of paramount importance. On 4 June Birmingham Future will be celebrating the talented young professionals we have in the city at the Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards. If you want to see first hand the talent that's right here in Birmingham, why not come along?
News & Events
Future Focus: Paul Fielding – Birmingham Future Events Committee Chairman and Colmore BID Board Director
In this month's Future Focus we get the views of Birmingham Future's very own events committee chairman, Paul Fielding, of Brewin Dolphin. As well as being the person who oversees Future's varied events calendar, Paul was recently appointed as the Birmingham Future representative on the Colmore BID board of directors. His appointment further demonstrates Future's growing influence on important matters that affect us all in the city. To read the interview in full simply click here to the Future blog. Photo: Paul Fielding
BYPY: Last chance to get your tickets
It's almost time for the biggest party in the corporate calendar – BYPY 2009 – and for those who haven't yet bought tickets there's just about time to make a last minute purchase so as not miss all the action. The awards have been polished and the finalists have written their acceptance speeches, but all you need to do is buy a ticket, sit back and enjoy the night.
Over 600 guests have already got their tickets so if you want to make sure you don't miss out, contact Isabel Drabble at the Birmingham Future office on 0121 632 2204 or via email Isabel@birminghamforward.co.uk.
Photo: BYPY committee
BYPY is in the bag
One of Birmingham's leading retailers is throwing its weight behind this year's Birmingham Young Professional of the Year awards. Harvey Nichols, which is based in the Mailbox, will be providing luxury goody bags for the BYPY 2009 awards ceremony, which is due to be held on Thursday 4 June at the ICC.
But the high-end store is keeping the contents of their bags under wraps to give the guests a surprise treat on the night. Kevin Breese, general manager of Harvey Nichols Birmingham, said: "The BYPY goody bags are known for being the best on the corporate events scene so it was a challenge to come up with something extra special this year.
"At the moment, the contents are a closely guarded secret but I am sure everyone will be impressed on the night."
Talent and Retention is the new name in Future!
Birmingham Future's Graduates into Employment committee has changed its name, and with it, its remit. The newly named Talent Retention & Development Committee will focus on graduates getting into work in Birmingham but also look at how, as a city, we can embed those graduates and young professionals into the Birmingham fabric. The full article is available on the Future blog. Photo: Anthony McCourt, Talent Retention & Development committee chair.
Your Future member benefits are changing
Birmingham Future's Marketing and Communications committee has been working extremely hard over the past couple of months to secure a number of exciting new benefits and discounts from organisations throughout the city for members. Once the new Future website is up and running (see the final piece in this e-bulletin) you will be able to log in and view a list of all the new benefits and find out how to exclusively make the most of these special offers – but in addition we have some exciting new initiatives in the pipeline, which we can't wait to fill you in on.
Keep a look out in future issues of the e-bulletin to find out more and if you know of an organisation that would like to offer our members something special please get in touch with Rob Langley – rob@bcmg.org.uk.
Photo: Rob Langley, Marketing and Communications committee chair.
Recent events:
Birmingham Future's Pub Quiz Birmingham Future's annual quiz was held at Après this year. In usual form, Après provided a great atmosphere with attendees testing their own knowledge whilst enjoying fresh pizzas that were served to their tables. The full review is on the Future blog.
Successful Development: "How to Fast Track Your Career" At times like these (the general malaise surrounding the economy and worlds of work – the one that the media won't shut up about), it is always useful to get a fresh perspective. Are you doing well? What could you be doing better? Aimee Postle's full review is on the blog.
Photo: The winning team at the Future Pub Quiz. L to R: Ben Evans (FleetMilne Residential), Chris Voisey (Baker Tilly), Claire Tipler (Hammonds LLP), Emily Morris (Willis) and Anna Heath (Mills & Reeve).
Forthcoming events: May
Open Forum Debate – Is Birmingham able to weather the current economic storm? £23.00 inc. VAT
Thursday 28th May 2009, 18:00hrs for 18:30hrs to approx 20:00hrs; Bevan Brittan, Interchange Place, Edmund Street, Birmingham, B3 2TA
Birmingham Future is proud to announce its first open forum debate of 2009 – giving you the chance to make sure your voice is heard on the most pressing issues of the day. Birmingham Future's debates team has therefore gathered together great minds from the city's political, business and education sectors to debate the motion, read more here.
Please email claire@birminghamforward.co.uk. to book your place.
Forthcoming events: June
Future members get a Taste of Business
Taste of Birmingham 2009 begins on the evening of Thursday 9th July and in a first for the food and drink festival we are inviting all members of the business community across Birmingham and the West Midlands to a very special event called Taste of Business. Taste of Business will be THE event for networking, meeting new contacts, doing business or just having a catch up in 2009.
As a member of the West Midlands' business community you can attend for FREE. To get your FREE ticket all you need to do is apply online by 2pm on 22.06.09
A Summer Evening with Trees and Pimms
Tuesday 14th July 2009, 6.30pm; The Loudon Suite, Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Birmingham Trees for Life is delighted to invite members of Birmingham Future to "A Summer Evening with Trees and Pimms". This social and networking event will highlight the importance of our urban trees, and introduce Birmingham Trees for Life to local businesses who may wish to play a part in improving the environment in which their staff and customers live and work. Find out more and how to book here.
Featured member benefit
This month's offer comes from one of Birmingham's most prestigious Indian restaurants, Lasan. Lasan is offering Birmingham Future members 20% off their total bill from Sunday – Thursday at both the St Paul's restaurant and Lasan Eatery in Hall Green.
Based on St Paul's Square in the Jewellery Quarter, Lasan has received a number of accolades over the past few years, including recommendations in the Michelin Guide and a listing in The Independent and The Times' "Top Ten Indian Restaurants in the UK". They have also won the British Curry Award for two consecutive years as well as an being named as "One of the Healthiest Restaurants in the UK" in April's Men's Health Magazine.
So tantalise your taste buds and call 0121 212 3664 (Lasan) or 0121 777 9090 (Lasan Eatery) to book your table. Don't forget to print out this piece and take it with you to receive your discount!
For more information on Lasan, visit www.lasangroup.com.
Out and about with Lise-Ann
Bella Venezia, 1628 High Street, Knowle, Solihull B93 0JU
The Italian Job!
This month's review sees me heading to the picturesque village of Knowle to sample the wares of Bella Venezia, a small Italian restaurant on the high street. A party of sixteen of us are slowly eating our way around the world. So far we have been to India and China and this month's destination was Italy.
Only eleven of the sixteen made it to this month's meal, which turned out to be a blessing as the restaurant itself would struggle to hold more than 32 people and with another party already booked for the same evening it was cosy to say the least! To read the full review click here.
Lise-Ann is Birmingham Future's resident food critic and a member of the Marketing & Communications committee. Photo: Lise-Ann
Stuck for events space in the city?
Birmingham Forward Affiliate member Hyatt Regency Birmingham is delighted to offer a special day delegate rate for all Birmingham Forward & Future members in their wide range of meeting rooms, which are individually designed to cater for every type of event. Your conference and banqueting events will be planned to perfection for business or pleasure, including wedding receptions. The special Birmingham Forward / Future member rate is only £35.00 Inc VAT per person. The usual rate is between £52 and £75 inc VAT per person. This package includes unlimited tea/coffee throughout the day, hot and cold buffet lunch at Aria restaurant, mineral water throughout the day, room hire and day car parking.
To make a booking please contact Martina Fajksova on 0121 643 1234 or via email on Martina.Fajksova@hyatt.com. For more information please visit www.birmingham.hyatt.com.
This rate is subject to availability and a minimum number of 10 delegates and includes standard equipment. This rate is valid from 1st May 2009 until 31st August 2009.
Photo: Events space at Hyatt Regency Birmingham.
Birmingham Future, One Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BD Telephone: +44 (0)121 632 2200 Fax: +44 (0)121 632 2201
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