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!
From Tomorrow’s Leaders to Today’s Influencers – by Matt Taylor
June 17, 2009 · 1 Comment
Last week, more than 600 young professionals and guests from across the business community gathered at the ICC to discover who will be the leading accountants, lawyers, surveyors, recruiters, communicators and entrepreneurs of the next generation. Even in the midst of a major economic downturn, record numbers drank and danced well into the night, celebrating the crop of talent that will be major figures in the future. But BYPY – Birmingham’s Young Professional of the Year – has always been about more than the brightest brains in the smartest suits. From the first winner, Gary Taylor, director of Argent, to this year’s winner Suzie Branch, of BHMG, it’s been about celebrating the combination of professional skills with a genuine commitment to making Birmingham an even better place in which to live and do business.
Power50, established by Birmingham Future in partnership with the Birmingham Post, is a logical extension of BYPY. From looking at leaders of the future, we assess who holds the levers of power and influence today. Like BYPY, it’s not just about the stars – those who occupy the obvious positions of power – but those who wield influence that can better Birmingham. More important than those who stand out, Power50 is about those who stand behind as we seek to identify those who either offer quiet leadership or who are not yet making their voices heard as widely as their potential allows.
The last ten days in British politics has been a rolling lesson in leadership. We have heard a lot of talk about the importance and qualities of leadership, but very little depth on what defines a great leader. In Birmingham, many have remarked on the apparent lack of leadership.
Historically, the city has spawned more than its fair share of civic and business leaders. Today, however, the pickings aren’t so rich. Cities that have global ambitions need more than just a few stand out names. We need leaders of all ages, from all sectors and of all backgrounds to put forward their ideas, articulate their visions and lead us to new heights.
Power50 was not born of having no leaders, but from having too few. More importantly, we found that Birmingham’s leadership was far from diverse.
This year, we have lined up an esteemed panel of judges, headed by Dermot Finch, director of Centre for Cities, to help decide who should be in the Power50. He’s our most independent chair of judges to date, coming from outside of Birmingham, and an expert on what makes a successful city. I can’t wait for what should prove a fascinating day of judging.
This year’s scheme will benefit from even wider use of social media channels and tools, appropriate for a city where digital media is such a strength. It will allow more people to point judges toward those who should be considered. I’m hoping we identify and include more surprise names in the list, with even fewer of the usual suspects.
But like all league tables, Power50 should not to be taken too literally. It’s an art not a science. We will be as objective as we can. But, we are out to provoke, inspire and reflect.
The list will be revealed on 30 July at a special launch event to coincide with Birmingham Future’s AGM. I want to give particular thanks to Argent and Gary Taylor for providing us with a fitting venue for such an important event. Number Eleven Brindleyplace will be our stage for revealing the Power50, and as I saw at the recent launch, in building terms Number Eleven can already claim to be a leader in its own right.
So, please take the opportunity to influence the judges and tell us who has most influence in Birmingham. Who knows, perhaps Power50 will include a few more former BYPY winners this year so completing the circle?
Categories: BYPY · Chairman's Comments · Forthcoming events...