Speed Networking – 3rd Sept

Thursday 3^rd September saw approximately 40 members descend on Bluu bar on Summer Row for one of Birmingham Future’s regular events – Speed Networking. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the format of this informal yet structured event, it involves moving from table to table and engaging in three minutes of networking with other young professionals in a fun, friendly and relaxed environment. The evening’s speed networking formalities were followed by and preceded general chit chat over drinks and buffet style food provided by Bluu, who did an excellent job at hosting the event.

The event is often attended by those who are relatively new to Birmingham or Birmingham Future and provides an excellent way to meet other young professionals from all sectors. Michael Pass of Robert Walters said: “The speed networking event was the first of its kind that I have attended. I was really impressed by the effectiveness of this form of networking. I think it’s a fantastic way to get to know other members and I’d recommend it to anyone who is new to Birmingham Future. The event is a real social affair and many stayed on at the end of the event to continue conversations with people they’d met earlier.”

Birmingham Future Successfully Develops Diversity Aware Managers

Birmingham Future’s Diversity committee hosted a well attended workshop on 29 June.

Ben Gorner, a solicitor from DLA Pipers’ employment team, explained discrimination law and took attendees through case studies to enable those current and future managers to spot potential issues, such as whether a man who is uncomfortable with being treated as the “stud of the office” potentially has a legal cause of complaint.

Ben also provided tips on how to deal with issues sensitively and appropriately. The game of “banter bingo” at the end of the session illustrated the difference of opinions in the room, and demonstrated that one person’s banter can be another’s ridicule.

The meaning of some comments was clear and acceptable, but others, such as saying to an older gentleman, “the length of time you have been here, I would expect a bit more common sense” were not.

The diversity committee hope to run similarly useful events in the future.

By Suzanne Gingles, Diversity Committee Member.

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

Suzie Branch named BYPY

Suzie Branch of BHMG triumphed at this years BYPY awards, held at the ICC on Thursday evening.   Suzie scooped the Marketing & Communications category and went on to win the overall BYPY 2009 award.  No doubt we will be hearing much more from Suzie at the Future Blog over the coming months, but in the meantime, read the Birmingham Post Article on the evening.

The other winners from the evening were as follows:

Inspiring Leader – Alan Chatham – Birmingham Development Company

Financial – Graham Nicoll – Barclays Wealth

Legal – Claire-Elaine Arthurs – HBJ Gateley Wareing

Recruitment & Training – Ollie Purdom – Pitch Consultants

Property & Construction – Chris Hill – Mace Group

Entrepreneurial - Damien Deighan – Altruist Medical

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?Royston Guest, of pti Worldwide, recently ran a workshop on how to fast track your career for Birmingham Future at the MWB offices. Perhaps, what it should have been titled was “Be a deaf frog and get over yourself!”                         Animated and interactive, Royston told us all how to stop listening to the negative commentary that surrounds us, develop a winning mindset, know our outcomes before we start, and become the person that people aspire to be.

Case studies and inspiring quotes from people like Lewis Hamilton, Andy Murray and Richard Branson as well as businesses like Shell, Next and Starbucks illustrated Royston’s talk nicely.

Final thought: Live life as if all your dreams have come true and challenge reality to catch up! Aimee Postle, Account Executive at Jewellery Quarter PR consultancy Kinetic Communications