The Big City Plan – update

Consultation on the Big City Plan Work in Progress report was carried out from the 12th December 2008 to the 6th February 2009. All of the responses from this consultation have been analysed and the information that has been collected will be used to inform future work on the Big City Plan.
The Big City Plan was intended to be a single plan for the City Centre but as the work has progressed it has become apparent that it should be more than just a single document. The Big City Plan is intended to stimulate a continued debate about the future of the City Centre from which ideas, policies, projects and developments will emerge. On this basis the Council will now be producing a number of different documents, building on the work to date and the results of the consultation, which will all contribute to shaping the future of the City Centre.
The Council will be producing the Big City Plan City Centre Prospectus. This document will take the ideas and projects that are emerging and apply them to the areas within the City Centre. The target is to have a well developed draft of this document complete by the end of 2009.
The Council is also currently producing its Core Strategy, a statutory planning document, which will set out the approach to how Birmingham will develop over the next 15 years. To reflect the importance of the City Centre a specific City Centre chapter will be included in the Core Strategy. This work will provide the key policies for the City Centre. This may in the future be supplemented by detailed guidance and site specific policies for the City Centre in the form of other Big City Plan titled documents including Supplementary Planning Documents and site specific Area Action Plans.
The aim will be to produce a draft Core Strategy, which includes the City Centre specific chapter, toward the end of 2009 and further public consultation will follow.
We will keep you updated with news and progress.

Future Focus with TV personality and Birmingham Alumni Ben Shephard…

From rolling around in tights with 16 other dance students to rolling around on a rugby pitch, Ben Shephard’s time in Birmingham was varied to say the least. In this month’s Future Focus, we hear from the television presenter about his memories as Birmingham alumni, his advice for the City’s students and graduates, and get to the heart of the matter – City or Villa?

1. As a Birmingham graduate, do you feel this helped or hindered you in your career?

I’m not sure I have ever actually been employed because I went to Birmingham and can now do a passable brummie accent, but there’s no question that my experiences at uni in Birmingham led me to the job that I now do

2. What is your favourite memory of Birmingham?

There are tons. The rugby, rolling around on the floor in leotard and tights doing my dance degree with 16 other girls has left me with loads of great memories, scoring a try on the 1st xv pitch during a big BUSA game with a large crowd was very special too, oh and I met the wife there too

3. What was your first big career break?

I did a show for C4 called control freaks

4. If you were not presenting, what do you think you would be doing instead?

I like to think I’d be travelling.

5. What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you on TV?

Amongst the wealth of embarrassing moments falling off the back of the GMTV sofa is up there

6. Have you tried the assault course on the Krypton Factor?

Unfortunately due to insurance issues I haven’t had a chance, but hopefully if we do it again I’ll sneak on

7. Have you ever been star-struck?

Not horrifically, although the first time I met Kate Beckinsale was a touch difficult once she admitted she rarely wears underwear

8. Do you return to Birmingham often and have you noticed any significant changes?

I haven’t been back for a very long time, although when I have returned I am aware how much more fashionable the students are and how much money they must spend on their hair now

9. What advice would you give to both students and graduates of Birmingham University?

You are at an incredible place, in one of the most underrated cities in the country. Soak up every moment it ends far too quickly and the beer will never be as cheap again!

10. Villa/City?

I am a west ham fan but all my family are from Brum and are big Villa fans so have to go with The Villa

This interview is thanks to Nadia Yaqub from Brewin Dolphin and Member of the Birmingham Future Marketing committee.

Banking on lunch… a recent Meet and Mix review…

What do the restaurants Bank and Piccolino have in common?

Yes, they are both situated in within the cosmopolitan surroundings of Brindleyplace and for those of you with your business hat on, Piccolino is Bank’s sister restaurant. However, the answer I am looking for is that both restaurants have been venues for Meet & Mix lunches. The most recent Meet & Mix was at Bank with guest speaker, Kurt Jacobs.

For those of you who have not dined at Bank, let me give you a brief overview. Bank is chic and sophisticated, with the character of a lively continental brasserie. Upon arrival, I was impressed by the spacious dining area and the way diners are able to view chefs in action through the clear glass panes in the open kitchen. Although, lunch was held inside, Bank does come with its very own alfresco terrace area, which is perfect for those hazy summer evenings, eating a delicious meal and sipping a cool drink………

But back to reality.

Drinks and the chance to network were followed by Kurt Jacob’s speech. Kurt joined Marketing Birmingham in April 2009 as Head of PR, leaving his role as editor of Insider Magazine behind. He has been working in Birmingham for the past 15 years. Kurt’s speech covered current and forthcoming projects that Marketing Birmingham is involved in, and an insight into how members can support their campaigns.

So what about the really important stuff, the food….

As always, Meet & Mix lunches are two course meals. For starters, roast vine tomato soup with fresh basil pesto. Truly delicious soup, ideal for dunking my crusty bread in! Next up on the menu was the main course. This was wild mushroom risotto with parmesan wafer. An ample and filling portion to satisfy my hunger!

To conclude, Meet & Mix are a fantastic way of networking over lunch and trying out new restaurants. Bank along with Piccolino is certainly worth checking out. Dining here will not leave you short of cash and the service is of a high quality standard. Being situated in Brindleyplace, it is not convenient for those who are situated in the Colmore district. Nevertheless, if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of central Birmingham, and prefer a relaxing and informal atmosphere, let me assure you will not be disappointed!

All that remains for me to say, is happy lunching……

Nadia Yaqub

Getting to know – Suzie Branch – BYPY Winner 2009

Getting to know – Suzie Branch – BYPY winner 2009 and Director of BHMG Marketing.

In June 2009 Suzie Branch was crowned Birmingham Future’s BYPY winner for 2009, beating off stiff competition from the other 17 finalists on the night. We caught up with Suzie and asked her some questions in the hope to get to know our BYPY a little better… below are her answers and we’ve also asked Suzie to give us a monthly blog update, so watch this space…

1. As the overall winner of BYPY 2009, what do you hope to achieve over the next twelve months. To continue to promote the numerous opportunities Birmingham offers to young people and hopefully to work with them to understand these opportunities and provide support and advice where I can.

2. Why is BYPY such an important thing for the city and as recognition for young professionals? I think it’s its originality of BYPY as a concept. In many other business capitals the achievements of young professionals across various industries are rarely, if ever, recognised and as the 18 finalists this year proved there are many talented young people within our professional community. But I have learnt in the past month that its more than that it’s also what it can offer to the next generations – I have always worked closely within education environments and urge pupils and young students to understand that there are no barriers to what they want to achieve – the concept of BYPY reinforces that.

3. For those who aspire to become the next BYPY winner, what words of wisdom / advice would you give. Go for it and be yourself! You never know you may just completely surprise / shock yourself – I know I did!

4. Birmingham is a city that has changed dramatically over the past decade, what type of city do you think Birmingham will be in 10 years time. I know it will still be an energetic, determined and fun environment to work within as that is what is at the core of the Birmingham professional community. I hope it will also have seen transformations in terms of public transport – I love the fact that we have vibrant and cosmopolitan city centre complimented by some more bohemian areas such as Moseley but in 10 years time it would be great to see a public transport system linking everything together more.

5. How important is Birmingham Future’s role in helping to lead and shape the future of the city. Incredibly important. The members of Future by its foundation are some of tomorrow’s business leaders and spokespeople. I very much enjoy networking and meeting members of Birmingham Future and sharing views of various topics. What’s even better though is when members of Birmingham Future start working together within their professional environments and doing business together – I believe this is critical to the future of the local business community for us all to continue to support each other as local businesses.

6. Given the current economic conditions, what impact has this had on marketing in Birmingham and further afield. There’s no doubt that these are tough and difficult times for all industries. Marketing budgets have been cut considerably and competition for limited budgets is tough but there are still many opportunities which encourage agencies to work closely with businesses and organisations to look at how they can deliver the best value added campaigns within tighter budgets.

7. Who is your role model or role models? All of the members of our armed forces. The unbelievable courage, dedication, and loyalty of the members of all our forces are something that will never stop to amaze and humble me beyond belief.

8. What’s been your greatest achievement to date? Being honoured with the title of BYPY 2009. And growing BHMG marketing with an unbelievably talented and committed team of staff. It never fails to amaze me how the team pull together to work as one on any project or task and how much fun they are to work with – every day no matter what the day may bring.

9. Why do you think young professionals / graduates should choose Birmingham as a working destination above other cities such as Manchester, London etc? Opportunity and lifestyle. I have always said that I love working within Birmingham as you can “put your arms” around it. The size and close networking of the city allows you as a young professional to open doors to all manners of opportunities.

Birmingham and the West Midlands region also offers such a diverse lifestyle. There is just so much to see and do all within a short travel distance – from dining in a Michelin star restaurants, to visiting areas of outstanding beauty such as the Malvern Hills or enjoying the adventure and excitement of the many attractions large and small. All this on our door step!

10. Villa/City You can’t beat a break away in a holiday villa overseas for some sun and relaxing time. Oh sorry you mean the football teams! I’m a bit lost when it comes to football but being a rugby fan I do enjoy watching the likes of Worcester Warriors or Pertemps Bees!

Birmingham Future appoints the fourth Graduate Apprentice…

Graduates are facing a difficult time in securing jobs during the recession so it became great news to twenty one year old Emily Williams when she was announced this week as Birmingham Future’s fourth Graduate Apprentice.

This year’s successful candidate overcame a field of seventy other graduates all hoping to be given the unique opportunity to experience three diverse sixteen week placements within the city’s professional sector.

Emily, from Coventry, has recently graduated from Lancaster University with a first in mathematics and will start her year as the Graduate Apprentice in September with Deloitte in Birmingham. She will also enjoy placements with the HR department of Matthew Boulton and Sutton Coldfield Colleges as they prepare for the merger of the two colleges to form Birmingham Metropolitan College before completing her year with business consultants, VC Consulting.

Emily is the fourth Graduate Apprentice and the first female to be given the unique opportunity to sample three diverse working environments during a structured year since the innovative scheme was launched in 2006 by Birmingham Future.

The programme is run by the organisation’s Talent Retention and Development Committee and supported by Graduate Advantage.

Emily recently visited all three of the placement companies and enjoyed a tour of the city that will become her home and was excited at the prospect that lies ahead;

“Very few of my university friends have managed to secure a graduate job so I am even more excited and pleased to be given this unique opportunity. Like so many other students, I was unsure of the exact direction I wanted to take after leaving university which is why the Graduate Apprentice programme is so appealing.

“I will now have the opportunity to experience three different working environments and with three very different projects to work on. I shall get to know how a major business operates at Deloitte, be involved with Matthew Boulton and Sutton Coldfield Colleges at a highly important and significant time in their development and find out about life in an SME at VC Consulting. I know this will be a fantastic journey.”

Chair of Birmingham Future’s Talent Retention and Development Committee, Anthony McCourt commented;

“Congratulations to Emily on becoming the latest Graduate Apprentice. The introduction of the Government’s new Graduate Internship Programme highlights the importance they are putting on work placements. The Graduate Apprentice, which has been acknowledged as an innovative scheme by leading politicians, goes one step further by offering three diverse placements which gives a far broader view of the opportunities that exist within professional services. This year’s applications were the strongest we have seen which reflects clearly that this opportunity both excites and stimulates graduates.

“During these challenging economic times, I am delighted we are able to continue to offer this unique programme which is only possible due to the continuing support of our placement firms and Graduate Advantage.”