Bank of England presentation at Brewin Dolphin with Stuart Kelly

Birmingham Future’s City Centre team held their highly anticipated ‘sell-out’ Bank of England event at Brewin Dolphin’s offices on 10th February, where Deputy Agent Stuart Kelly gave Future members the Bank’s view on the current state of the UK’s economy.

He covered a vast array of topics ranging from the role of the Bank of England Agents, to the decisions and predictions made by the Monetary Policy Committee on a monthly basis. He talked about the West Midlands region and how our contribution to GDP was 8.92%. Stuart also illustrated the effect the collapse of Lehman Brothers had on the economy, the risks we are facing in the future and how individual market segments were being challenged by current conditions.

Stuart’s main message was clear, the key to overcoming the current financial risks in the UK was by boosting consumer confidence – once healthy and sustainable consumer spending levels resumed, the economy would gradually grow and the country would benefit as a whole. Stuart’s presentation also covered the process of quantitative easing and the effect that the depreciation of Sterling has had in increasing export activity. He talked about the Bank’s quest to make lending more accessible again, without the mistakes and risks that took place before the recession.

Stuart was then kind enough to take a high number of questions from the audience, ranging from queries regarding banks not aligning their rates with the base rate, to why we should be promoting increases in consumer spending levels, when this is the pattern that drove us into the recession in the first place. He answered all the questions thoroughly and provided even more facts and figures, coupled with his own opinions.

Stuart delivered a very engaging and fact-filled presentation that gave Future members an in-depth understanding of the UK’s current economic climate, but also how the country can return to healthy levels of growth. We are delighted to report that Stuart has already confirmed he will present to Future members next year in February 2011!

Birmingham Future’s Graduate Apprentice Scheme

Birmingham Future’s Graduate Apprentice Scheme has confirmed three top employers for 2010. Existing Graduate Apprentice employer Deloitte are to be joined by Brewin Dolphin and Birmingham Development Company to support the scheme, which is now in its fifth year.

Set up in 2006, The Graduate Apprentice is run by the Talent Retention and Development Committee and supported by Graduate Advantage. It aims to give one exceptional gradate an unrivalled insight into the vibrant social and professional scene of Birmingham through individual sixteen week placements at three Birmingham based firms.

Graduate Apprentice 2007, TRaD Committee chair and now of Deloitte, Jason Norris said: “I can safely say that experiencing working at the three different firms greatly improved my understanding of how the business world actually operates and was the best career decision that I have made. Deloitte continue to support the scheme following my year, offering the opportunity for the Graduate Apprentice to experience the diverse world of a professional services firm. The scheme continues to provide top class candidates, and Deloitte are delighted to continue to be involved.”

Anthony McCourt from Birmingham Development Company Ltd said: “As developers of Birmingham we were extremely keen to become involved in a scheme which helps to promote and publicise the city as an exciting place to live and work. I sit on the committee that helps administer the scheme and quickly realised the value that both the apprentice and the employer get out of participating in the scheme.”

Stephen Jones, a Divisional Director and Head of the Birmingham office of Brewin Dolphin said: “Brewin Dolphin is proud to support Birmingham Future’s Graduate Apprentice Scheme as we firmly believe in the importance of nurturing the business leaders of the future. The apprentice will have the opportunity to assist in the daily tasks of Investment Managers as well as being able to attend business development events and strategy meetings that will help assist in building up a good understanding of the UK financial markets and global economy.”

For further information, or if anyone you know would benefit from applying to be Birmingham’s fifth Graduate Apprentice, visit www.thegraduateapprentice.co.uk.

Future Focus – Paul Fielding – Future member and BID Director

Birmingham Future’s growing influence on important matters that affect us all in the city has been demonstrated once again by the announcement that we have been given a Stakeholders seat on the Board of Directors of the Colmore BID. Paul Fielding, of Brewin Dolphin and current chair of the Events Committee, has been appointed as that future representative. He gives below his answers to some questions that our members may have about the BID.

What is the Colmore BID?

The BID is a ring fenced, not-for-profit, company that is financed by other firms in the area agreeing to pay a fixed levy over the five years of the BID. This financing was agreed in a recent vote where 50% of those companies voted and a large majority agreed in favour of a small surcharge based on their rateable value. The BID company will use this money to improve the district by working alongside the council but never duplicating or replacing existing services.

Why is the BID needed?

The Colmore Business District provides visitors to Birmingham with a wealth of top class national and globally renowned business from many different professional sectors. These sectors include Accountants, Lawyers, Property specialists, Financial companies such as Banks and Investment Managers, PR companies and many others.

The BID is therefore needed for a number of reasons which include:

- Further improving the area’s identity,

- improving the look of the area by making it cleaner, greener and more attractive,

- improving transportation in and around the area

- making the area more safe and welcoming.

By tackling important matters such as these we can help to further enhance the area’s reputation as a prestigious place to do business not only nationally but also internationally.

How will this be achieved?

The BID board will shortly appoint a BID Manager who will work alongside the Board. The Board will determine this individual’s role but it is likely to include matters such as liaising with the council, police and transport companies, managing a team of Street Wardens, helping to brand the area, arranging for events, extra cleaning and organising more floral arrangements etc…

Why is it important that Birmingham Future is involved?

Birmingham Future is one of the main voices of the young professional in the city and one of its aims is to try and ensure that the top young talent want to stay in the city. Birmingham Future can therefore help to achieve this by having a say in matters such as the BID. Hopefully our involvement in this company will see that collectively we are helping to influence major decisions that are made in the city.

How will Young Professional’s be able to have their say?

If there are any matters that you feel need to be addressed please feel free to get in touch with me or any member of the leadership team and I will ensure that your thoughts and ideas are relayed to the rest of the Board. If you would like my contact details please contact the office and they will send them on to you.