Future Focus: Suzi Perry (May 2010)

1.  What made you want to become a TV presenter?
I began as a sport reporter for Sky, I loved bike racing, still do, it was my passion. I sort of fell into presenting other shows..

2.  What do you love most about hosting The Gadget Show?
We have a giggle. It is a lot of fun and of course we have the chance to undertake amazing challenges, testing tech in extreme ways.

3.  What has been the highlight of your career to date?
I think being honoured with a fellowship by my old University, Wolverhampton. I don’t know really, I don’t think about it too much, it’s ongoing!

4.  What motivates you to stay focused?
I always feel that there are plenty of folk ready to jump in my shoes so complacency has never been an option. Anyway, if a job is worth doing…I always give 100%, always. 

5.  As a patron of Promise Dreams what advice would you give to anyone wanting to get involved in charity work?
Do it, it matters more than most other things you will ever do.

6.  What are your aspirations for the future?
I’m just buying a family home with my husband in the South of France, I hope we will be happy there. On a work front, I would love to broadcast on radio and continue to make television.

 7. What benefits to you think Birmingham Young Professional of the Year brings to Birmingham?
Great things come out of Birmingham and its important to shout about them. BYPY is a tremendous profile raiser for the town and highly inspirational for young people.

8. If you had one hour to show a visitor around the city where and what would you do?
I would begin at the Gadget Show studio’s in Digbeth, there are a lot of creative bods working around the Custard Factory, it is an energising place. Then a quick drive past the Bull Ring, I love the Selfridges building and also the contrasting architecture of the Town Hall and that area of town. One hour really isn’t long enough! I like the canals, the Jewellery Qtr, The Sea Life centre and Lasan is my favourite restaurant! 
  
9. What are the key characteristics you think makes Birmingham a great place to live?
It has a soul, from its’ music roots to its’ football core. There is an abundance of innovation, graft and of course the dry sense of humour and curry, the best! 

10. Villa or City?
Er hello, I am a Wolves fan!

Future Focus: Stuart Kelly (March 2010)

1.What was your career path to becoming the Bank of England’s Deputy Agent for the West Midlands?
After completing my masters in economics at Edinburgh University I spent three years windsurfing and surfing my way around the world before joining ING Barings in London on their graduate programme.  In my four years at ING I moved around within the bank a fair bit, spent a year working in New York, and was running the bank’s South African and Polish interest rate derivative books before I left to join Bank of America, also in London.  At Bank of America I traded the same products and markets as I had for ING, and at the end of my four years there I was managing the bank’s emerging markets interest rate trading desk.  In the summer of 2005 my wife and I decided to leave London and moved to Argyll on the west coast of Scotland with our young daughter.  This was a great opportunity to take a breather from the pressures of the City and to spend some quality time with our young family, and to keep myself occupied I established various small businesses, including a mountain bike hire company and a surfing and windsurfing shop in Campbeltown at the tip of the Mull of Kintyre.  Friends are now running those companies but I continue to take an active interest in their management, albeit from a distance, as I am now based in Birmingham working for the Bank of England.

1.How do find working for the Bank of England different from your previous roles?
Working for the Bank of England is poles apart culturally to working for merchant banks in the City.  For a start, there is none of the pressure to generate trading profits on a daily basis, the hours are much shorter and more flexible, and it is much more satisfying to feel that I am working towards the general good of the economy of the country, rather than for the benefit of corporate shareholders.  Having said that, in a way I miss being in charge of a busy trading desk with all the challenges and responsibilities that brings.  On the other hand, working for the Bank of England is also poles apart from running a surf shop – I’ve had to swap my flip flops for a suit and tie for starters!
 
1.What challenges have you faced in your role as Deputy Agent for the West Midlands since you were appointed in 2009?
Finding my way around Birmingham and figuring out how to avoid the worst of the traffic has been a steep learning curve, while crashing my car into my mother-in-law’s during my first week in the job also put me on the spot a little!
 
1.As we emerge out of the recession what do you think are the biggest challenges faced by Birmingham’s business community?
A common topic in many of the conversations I hold with the Bank’s business contacts throughout the region is how Birmingham will move away from being so reliant on traditional manufacturing industries for employment.  As we look forward towards economic recovery it is important for Birmingham to establish itself at the leading edge of emerging technologies and to reduce its exposure to the more cyclical nature of the old world economy .
 
1.As someone who has started up their own business what advice would you give to any entrepreneurs who want to start up their own business within the West Midlands?
Take advantage of all the mentoring, advice and most definitely the grant schemes that are available to help you set up on your own.  Research your potential market thoroughly to minimise the scope for surprises down the line, and be prepared to put a great deal of time, effort and, most likely, cash into your dream!

1.What benefits do you think Birmingham offers for graduates and young professionals?
As a young professional the world is very much your oyster and, as with everything, you’ll get out what you put in. With so many large, global companies having a presence here, there are myriad opportunities in Birmingham and with the highly developed networking scene in the city I think it’s very easy for younger employees to keep on top of new and exciting developments.
 
7.  Although the UK has an ageing population, Birmingham is one of Europe’s youngest cities, how important do you think this is for the future of the city?
  
Younger people tend not to be so entrenched in their outlooks and, given the challenge that I think Birmingham has to find itself a new direction, the established interests and the collective enthusiasm of Birmingham’s younger generation should find it well within their reach to steer the city towards a defining new identity.

1.What role and influence do you feel an organisation such as Birmingham Future can play/have in the city as it continues to develop?
Having an active and connected group of people across the city and across many different sectors can only make it easier to find shared outlooks and common goals to help Birmingham develop.  Business contacts are invaluable and, when you have them all readily available - as is the case with Birmingham Future - I find that it makes introductions easy and can be mutually beneficial for all concerned when you have a network of easily approachable potential helpers at your fingertips.

1.What are your favourite things about Birmingham?
Friendly people, a city centre easily reached from the airport by train, and hot, cheap curries!
 
1.Villa or City?
I’m more of a rugby fan, but supporting Scottish rugby is a bit of a thankless task at the best of times!  My old boss in London was an avid West Ham supporter, and I have to admit that it wasn’t long before I was too, mainly because he would be in a much better mood on a Monday morning if the Mighty Hammers had won at the weekend.  It’s a bit tenuous I’m afraid, but the claret and blue connection means that I’m going to have to go for Villa!

Future Focus – Julian Thomas

1.What made you want to become an athlete?
I’ve always had a passion for sport. My natural talent for speed has directed me to become a speed demon. I’ve always admired individual sports, as all the work rests on that person not several other players. The workload isn’t shared. My dreams isn’t in the hands of somebody else, I’m in control of what happens.

2.What has been the highlight of your career to date?
Over coming obstacles, climbing back to number 1 seed in the 200m for Britain. Previously Commonwealth Youth Champion: 200m & 4x100m relay, European Junior Silver medallist: 200m, World Junior Finalist: Attained rank 5th in the world for 200m Junior.

3.What motivates you to stay focused?
Success! The constant need to achieve. Perfecting the imperfections.

4.What motivational advice would you give to any runners who wish to take part in Birmingham’s half marathon later in the year?
To prepare, Set realistic targets then do your best to achieve them. Take the opportunity run a few miles a week. Gradually increase the distance with each run or set a course to see if you can better your time. Poor preparation equals poor performance. Do your best to keep well hydrated and wear secure running shoes.

5.What are your aspirations for the future?
To win an Olympic medal and represent my country for the London 2012 Games and beyond.

6.What benefits to you think the 2012 Olympics will have to Birmingham?
London 2012 games will give Birmingham the opportunity to show the world what we have to offer. With the Team USA and Jamaica staying within the city only gives an advantage over the other cities in creating more business, exposure internationally. Prior to the games supporters will want to see the other cities before the games start. That will be Birmingham opportunity to shine. If Birmingham gives a good show then more people will visit. Key focus is upon Tourism.

7.Who is your biggest role model within the West Midlands?
My role model has always been my mother. Its always been important to me that I can talk with a role model. Although I’ve have always admired Mark Lewis-Francis from a sporting perspective growing up.

8.What are the key characteristics you think makes Birmingham a great place to live?
I consider Birmingham to be the crossroad of England due to our location. Everything is within reasonable distance. Birmingham is nowhere near as congested as London. Birmingham could facilitate any event. We have Culture, sports facilities, transportation, hotels, bars, restaurants, while the key factors location. Commuting is easy. Living in Birmingham is easy.

9.What is the most memorable experience you have had in Birmingham?
Winning and Breaking the All England Schools 200m record that stood 22 years. In front of my home crowd, it was an experience I could get used to. Having the whole stadium applaud my performance…loving it!!!

10.Villa or City?
Villa.

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.

Future Focus with Kurt Jacobs

Future Focus: Kurt Jacobs

 1. What was your career path to becoming Head of Public Relations at Marketing Birmingham? It was rather unplanned. I came to Birmingham in 1994 to work on The Post’s business desk, under the tutelage of the legendary John Duckers, and rose to become deputy business editor, specialising in media. I was headhunted to become editor of the marketing magazine of Adline – now The Drum – before working as a freelance journalist and PR writer. I joined Insider in late 1995 magazine, becoming editor after a year or so.

 2. What made you want to get involved in Marketing Birmingham? It was an opportunity too good to miss. I loved working in journalism –leaving Insider was the hardest professional decision I’ve ever had to make – but the chance of becoming a spokesman for one of Europe’s greatest cities was too much to refuse. I’ve been writing about Birmingham for 15 years, particularly marketing and PR, so it’s a chance to do things I’ve been preaching for years.

 3. How important do you feel it is for us to have an organisation like Marketing Birmingham promoting the city to outsiders? Vital. Birmingham sells itself – once you get people here. The reputation of the city has improved enormously over the past few years as a centre for business, food, the arts, academia – the list goes on. With developments like the NEC and Brindleyplace Birmingham created the model for modern urban regeneration and opportunity. The problem with Birmingham is an abundance of choice and opportunity – how do you market the potentials of a million people and what they have to offer? We have to be selective and focussed in our aims.

 4. What impact has the recession had on marketing the city?  If anything it’s increased the importance of marketing. The recession has hurt us, as it has every other city, and we have to look at how we win and retain business, and that means continuing to develop Birmingham as a globally-recognised and respected brand. Fortunately Birmingham’s public and private sectors have become astute in recognising the value of effective marketing and the importance of working as a team. 

 5. What benefits do you think Birmingham offers for graduates and young professionals? I’ve worked in a number of places and Birmingham is the most meritocratic of them all. The great thing about Birmingham is that it embraces anyone that embraces it, and that goes for young professionals. Many senior executives in the professions are dedicated to bringing their younger staff on – they really want them to succeed.

 6. Although the UK has an ageing population, Birmingham is one of Europe’s youngest cities, how important do you think this is for the future of the city? This is possibly Birmingham’s greatest single asset but one we don’t yet make enough of. There’s a saying that Berlin is the history of 20^th century Europe in a single city, I believe this is Birmingham’s role in the 21^st – the city that embodies youth, cultural diversity, regeneration, communications. Birmingham is providing the template that other European cities will have to follow, and is doing it rather well.

 7. Birmingham Future nurtures the next generation of leaders – how important is the role of young professionals in shaping the city and do you think we are granted a big enough voice in decision-making in Birmingham? Young professionals do have a big say in the city’s decision making. I’ve been at a lot of important meetings where, for someone in their mid-40s, it’s glaringly obvious I’m the oldest person in the room.  It’s notable that while Birmingham has a huge array of networking organisations they tend to be inclusive and facilitating rather than exclusive old boys’ networks.

 8. Whilst at Midlands Business Insider, you pioneered the ’42 Under 42’ Awards; what characteristics did you look for in these candidates? As we said on the entry forms for 42 Under 42 it’s impossible to define star quality – but you know it when you see it. Some candidates’ careers simply leapt off the page. The difficulty of judging was that the quality of entries was consistently so high, but the range was so wide. How do you compare someone who has steered a third generation family firm with an entrepreneur who has a commercial and revolutionary idea?

 9. What are your favourite things about Birmingham? In no particular order: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, the Jewellery Quarter, St Philip’s Square, Black Sabbath, The Electric Cinema, Steel Pulse, Hudson’s Coffee House, Bull Ring Indoor Market, The Queen’s Arms on Newhall Street, The Edwardian Tea Room, Cannon Hill Park.

 10. Villa or City? Um, neither I’m afraid. For my sins it’s Welsh rugby – it’s the non-Birmingham indulgence I allow myself.