Chamber Podcast: Recent Episodes
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The official podcast of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, getting to the heart of key topics affecting West Midlands businesses.
Chamber CEO Henrietta Brealey and Professor Anne Green from City-REDI explore key economic trends in Greater Birmingham, ahead of 2024 Birmingham Economic Review
They explore the region’s economic growth, businessconfidence, and the challenges posed by economic inactivity, as well as the impact of political shifts at both national and global levels.
The pair also delve into the importance of inclusive growth,innovation, and the transition to net zero, focusing on the role businesses play in driving sustainable practices.
Tune in for expert insights on the city’s economic future,from investment opportunities to critical infrastructure projects like HS2.
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce head of policy Emily Stubbs is joined by Suzie Branch Haddow, vice principal of external development at BMet College and Chair of Skills West Midlands and Warwickshire, Paul Cook, CEO of Hereward College, and Tracy Bishop, regional manager at Whitbread, for an in-depth conversation on supported internships as part of the Growth Through People campaign.
Together, they explore how these programs are creating pathways for young people with disabilities, addressing skills gaps, and fostering inclusive workplaces, while providing real-world insights for employers aiming to enrich their workforce with diverse talent.
Chamber CEO Henrietta Brealey and Professor Anne Green from City-REDI at the University of Birmingham take a deep-dive into the Birmingham economy ahead of the launch of the 2023 Birmingham Economic Review.
They discuss a host of topics which are covered in the report - from the impact of rising inflation and cost of living on businesses and consumers, to labour market trends and net zero.
Henrietta and Anne also talk about the overall business confidence in the city-region, as well as asking 'how resilient and adaptive is Birmingham's economy?'
The third episode of our 2023 Growth Through People mini-series focuses on attracting and engaging talent - and how employers can work closer with education providers to meet skills needs.
The Chamber's policy and projects manager Emily Stubbs is joined by Anshu Williams, South and City College Birmingham's assistant director - Employer Engagement and Placements.
Anshu discusses some of South and City's initiatives to collaborate with employers and, in turn, help address some of their skills and talent needs.
She also reveals how employers are working with the college to develop and evolve the curriculum.
Growth Through People is the annual productivity and leadership campaign, delivered by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and a range of partners, including headline sponsors Aston University, South and City College Birmingham and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
More on Growth Through People:
https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/research-campaigning/growth-through-people/
The second episode of our 2023 Growth Through People mini-series focuses on business support, economic growth and addressing the skills and employing gap facing the West Midlands.
The Chamber's policy and projects manager Emily Stubbs is joined by the West Midlands Combined Authority's head of economic development and delivery Paul Edwards and director of employment and skills Clare Hatton.
They discusses the West Midlands' Plan for Growth and how businesses and government can support the regional economy.
They also address the much-debated skills shortage across the region - including which industries are suffering, what the WMCA is doing to help firms bridge the gap and how devolution can further support skills development.
Growth Through People is the annual productivity and leadership campaign, delivered by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and a range of partners, including headline sponsors Aston University, South and City College Birmingham and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
More on Growth Through People:
https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/research-campaigning/growth-through-people/
In the first episode of our 2023 Growth Through People mini-series, we find out how one of the UK's biggest transport operators approaches diversity and inclusivity.
The Chamber's policy and projects manager Emily Stubbs talks to Tinne Ledwitch-Madsen, National Express' UK head of employee engagement about the bus operator's approach to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment.
Tinne's role covers diversity, inclusion, wellbeing and engagement. She describes the company's efforts to create a workplace where "everybody feels safe, and belongs" and ensure employees "have the best possible conditions to succeed".
Growth Through People is the annual productivity and leadership campaign, delivered by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and a range of partners, including headline sponsors Aston University, South and City College Birmingham and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
More on Growth Through People:
https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/research-campaigning/growth-through-people/
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce's policy and projects manager Emily Stubbs is joined by members of the Birmingham Education Partnership to discuss the role the business community can play in ensuring students are prepared for the fast-changing world of work.
The GBCC is working with Birmingham Education Partnership to identify individuals in the local business community who may be interested in becoming Enterprise Advisers to Birmingham schools.
Enterprise Advisers will be partnered with a secondary school or college to support them in the development and implementation of their careers strategy, ensuring all students are prepared and inspired for the fast-changing world of work.
Emily is joined by Ruth Broome (strategic hub lead for Birmingham Careers Hub), Marie Wilkes, (head of social value at Willmott Dixon) and Ken Hutchinson managing director for HR Strategic Solutions Ltd.
Find out more about how to become a Birmingham Volunteer Enterprise Adviser : https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/become-birmingham-volunteer-enterprise-advisor?
This episode of the Chamber Podcast unpacks the findings of the the Solihull Economic Snapshot 2022.
The flagship report, sponsored by Prime Accountants, is produced by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce to showcase the economic environment, opportunities and challenges ahead for the dynamic borough of Solihull and its local business community.
Speakers in this episode include host Samantha Frampton, head of Solihull Chamber, Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, Tony Elvin, general manager at Touchwood and president of Solihull Chamber, and Kevin Johns, director of Prime Accountants Group.
These high profile speakers provide their views on the local economy and the findings of the report's research.
This special edition of the Chamber Podcast unpacks some of the key themes from Avison Young’s 2022 Forecast.
The Forecast looks at how global events, trends and indicators are impacting on commercial real estate across different sectors.
Avison Young’s principal and head of Birmingham office Carl Potter and UK head of insight Daryl Perry discuss key themes from the forecast, with a particular focus on Birmingham.
They assess Birmingham’s post-pandemic recovery as well as looking at the impact of a number of events and factors such as returning to the office, this summer’s Commonwealth Games, the Government’s Levelling Up agenda and the introduction of the Clean Air Zone in the second city.
Avison Young is a global commercial real estate services firm, with an office at Brindleyplace in Birmingham.
Find out more about Avison Young’s 2022 Forecast:
https://www.avisonyoung.com/experience/marketing-uk/2022-forecast-uk/2022-forecast/
The final episode of our Growth Through People mini-series focuses on behavioural preferences in managing stress.
The Chamber's policy and projects manager Emily Stubbs talks to Jonathan Evans, CEO of Discovery, about the importance of understanding and recognising behavioural preferences.
They explore the importance of recognising behavioural preferences in ourselves and those around us - as well as the impact those behaviours can have on stress.
Growth Through People is the annual productivity and leadership campaign, delivered by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and a range of partners, including headline sponsors Aston University, Birmingham City Council, South and City College Birmingham and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
More on Growth Through People:
https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/research-campaigning/growth-through-people/
Business leaders and managers are often required to lead beyond their circle of authority.
But what are the skills required to do this – and how can they impact on an organisation?
Louise Teboul, UK partnerships director for Common Purpose, explores this topic with the Chamber’s policy and campaigns manager Emily Stubbs as part of the Growth Through People campaign.
Growth Through People is the annual productivity and leadership campaign, delivered by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and a range of partners, including headline sponsors Aston University, Birmingham City Council, South and City College Birmingham and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
More on Growth Through People:
https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/research-campaigning/growth-through-people/
More on Common Purpose:
https://commonpurpose.org/
How can organisations work with further education providers to meet their skills needs?
Rebecca Waterfield, head of employer engagement at South and City College Birmingham, joins the Chamber's Emily Stubbs to discuss attracting and engaging future workforces.
In this episode, as part of the Chamber's 2022 Growth Through People campaign, Rebecca discusses how South and City's work with different employers - including creating tailored curriculum and training schemes to meet their short, medium and long-term talent needs.
She also talks about T-levels and the recruitment support offered by the college.
Growth Through People is the annual productivity and leadership campaign, delivered by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and a range of partners, including headline sponsors Aston University, Birmingham City Council, South and City College Birmingham and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
More on Growth Through People:
https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/research-campaigning/growth-through-people/
More on South & City College Birmingham:
https://www.sccb.ac.uk/
Rebecca Mander was the managing director of a successful electronics company when she suffered one of the worst personal setbacks imaginable.
Her world was turned upside down when she suffered the loss of her son, Charlie. In the same year, her mother, who was the company CEO, also passed away.
But learning to deal with these traumatic experiences inspired Rebecca to set up GuruYou – a company which coaches leaders through their own personal setbacks.
In this podcast, as part of the Chamber’s 2022 Growth Through People campaign, Rebecca talks to policy and campaigns manager Emily Stubbs about what it is like to lead through personal setbacks.
The fascinating discussion assesses the expectations that are placed on leaders, how setbacks can impact on the ability to lead and what effective leadership during times of setback might look like.
Growth Through People is the annual productivity and leadership campaign, delivered by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and a range of partners, including headline sponsors Aston University, Birmingham City Council, South and City College Birmingham and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
More on Growth Through People:
https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/research-campaigning/growth-through-people/
More on GuruYou:
https://www.guruyoucoach.com/
Adam Liddle from Jacobs joins us to discuss how the technical professional services firm implemented its climate strategy.
Adam, the director of Sustainable Growth and Innovation at Jacobs, discusses the steps businesses can take to plan and implement a climate strategy.
This podcast is part of the Sustainable Business Series: Net Zero campaign, a joint initiative between Greater Birmingham and Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
Midlands Connect's Simon Statham joins the Chamber's head of policy Raj Kandola to discuss transport body's role in decarbonisation.
Simon discusses how Midlands Connect's strategy has shifted further towards the net zero agenda over the past six years.
The podcast is part of the Sustainable Business Series: Net Zero campaign, jointly hosted by the Greater Birmingham and Coventry & Warwickshire Chambers of Commerce.
Chamber CEO Henrietta Brealey and the University of Birmingham/City-REDI's Professor Simon Collinson take a deep-dive into the Greater Birmingham economy ahead of the launch of the 2021 Birmingham Economic Review.
They discuss the impact of the pandemic on the city, the signs of economic recovery and opportunities for Birmingham to become more innovative, more environmentally sustainable and more inclusive.
The Chamber's environmental policy lead Will Hargreaves is joined by Andy Whyle from Sustainability West Midlands (SWM) to discuss the circular economy and its benefits and opportunities for business.
The podcast was recorded as part of the Sustainable Business Series: Net Zero campaign, jointly hosted by the Greater Birmingham and Coventry & Warwickshire Chambers of Commerce.
Inspired Energy's energy and environmental manager Robbie Howlett joins the Chamber's Will Hargreaves to provide analysis and practical advice on how businesses can successfully manage their energy usage.
Topics of discussion include practical energy management, optimisation solutions, the role of data in energy management and raising awareness among staff.
This podcast is part of the 'Sustainable Business Series: Net Zero' campaign, hosted jointly by the Greater Birmingham and Coventry & Warwickshire Chambers of Commerce.
With cricket's innovative The Hundred competition underway, Birmingham Phoenix general manager Craig Flindall joins the Chamber's Dan Harrison to discuss forming the new franchise in preparation for the tournament.
Craig, who is also the chief operating officer at Edgbaston, talks us through every element of preparations for The Hundred, from the player draft through to helping ensure the new format captures the right audience.
Birmingham Phoenix are one of eight city-based franchises fielding men's and women's in the new competition, with home games being played at Edgbaston.
The West Midlands is just one year away from hosting the largest multi-sporting event the region has ever seen, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
In this episode of the Chamber Podcast, experts and business leaders provide their insights on what is left to do to prepare the region and the business legacy the Games will bring.
Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of GBCC, hosts this edition of the Chamber podcast.
To find out more about Games procurement opportunities, visit https://www.birmingham2022.com/business/tender-opportunities/
To find out more about University of Birmingham, visit https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/commonwealth-games/index.aspx
To find out more about University College Birmingham, visit https://www.ucb.ac.uk/
With the West Midlands' second mayoral election just around the corner, Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the Chambers, and Andrew Carter, chief executive of Centre for Cities discuss why businesses should care about the upcoming election.
Being resilient through unprecedented times can be challenging for many.
In this episode of the Chamber Podcast, Marc Bell, general manager of Bear Grylls Adventure, discusses how his team has been able to harness resilience during the pandemic with the Chamber's policy and projects manager Emily Stubbs.
This episode is part of a mini-series for the Chamber's 2021 Growth Through People productivity and leadership campaign.
Many businesses over the last year have asked themselves what they can do to boost equality, diversity and inclusion.
In this Growth Through People special episode of the Chamber Podcast, chief executive of the Chamber, Paul Faulkner, discusses unlocking potential and the RACE Equality Code with Karl George, managing director of the Governance Forum.
The Covid crisis has presented a number of challenges for business when attracting and engaging talent.
In this episode of the Chamber podcast, policy and campaigns manager Emily Stubbs discusses remote employee engagement and attracting talent to the technology sector with Chamber vice-president and chief executive of Forensic Pathways, Deb Leary.
This episode is part of a mini-series for the Chamber's 2021 Growth Through People productivity and leadership campaign.
With the Covid-19 pandemic bringing about the rapid adoption of flexible and remote working, this podcast assesses whether leaders and managers can trust their teams.
The Chamber's policy and campaigns manager Emily Stubbs is joined by Mark Saunders, Professor of Business Research Methods at University of Birmingham.
This episode is part of a mini-series for the Chamber's 2021 Growth Through People productivity and leadership campaign.
After picking up a business card at an apprenticeship fair, and an enticing LinkedIn exchange, University College Birmingham (UCB) and Shell Energy have formed a new partnership to boost Shell Energy's apprenticeship offering.
In a special episode as part of National Apprenticeship Week, David New, business development manager at University College Birmingham (UCB), and Ross McPherson, learning and development consultant at Shell Energy, discuss their apprenticeship partnership with the Chamber's policy and campaigns manager, Emily Stubbs.
The Chamber's Paul Faulkner and Henrietta Brealey are joined by Professor Simon Collinson from the University of Birmingham/City-REDI to discuss the key themes from this year's Birmingham Economic Review.
Dr Tariq Ali, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships at University of Birmingham and Neil Rawlinson, Strategic Development Director, Manufacturing Technology Centre chat to Chamber Press and PR executive Jess Brookes about the ambitious Speed to Scale Region (SSR) Programme, a bid for funding from Government to harness the innovation and strength of the West Midlands region to develop, manufacture and deliver new products at speed and at scale.
To find out more about the programme, visit www.ssr-wm.org.uk
With Brexit back on the agenda, the Chamber's Henrietta Brealey gets the latest insights from David Hearne from Birmingham City University's Centre for Brexit Studies, and Clare Francis, head of Brexit advisory at law firm Pinsent Masons.
Digital Glue's Greta Geoghegan and Chamber press and PR manager Dan Harrison discuss all things PR, digital and branding, ahead of the Digbeth-based agency's upcoming webinar series 'The Power of Messaging'. For more information visit https://digitalglue.agency/professional-services/
Daniel Aston on his rapid career rise at Access Bookings and being crowned Young Professional of the Year 2020 at the Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce annual dinner and awards.
EiB Group chief executive Scott Brown joins Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner to provide an insight into the process of bidding for work on major projects such as HS2 and the Commonwealth Games.
The Chamber's director of policy Henrietta Brealey and press and PR manager Dan Harrison discuss the coronavirus support available to businesses - and some of the gaps that still need addressing.
With organisations responding to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Government mandating home working where possible, the number of people working from home has rapidly increased - many for the first time.
As a result, many companies are finding it challenging to manage their workforce.
During this episode, Chamber press and PR assistant Jess Brookes chats to Jo Rix from Curium Solutions and Mark Saunders from Birmingham Business School, on how to maintain trust in a virtual workplace, and how businesses can get the best out of their teams during this time.
Ex-Royal Marines and founders of Find Your Edge Coaching, Ben Williams and Antony Thompson, join Lisa Powney from Curium Solutions to discuss the impact of stress on work performance - and how leaders can support staff by building a resilient organisational culture.
In the third instalment of the Growth Through People 2020 podcast mini-series, press and PR assistant at the Chamber, Jess Brookes, talks to Professor Gina Rippon about plastic brains.
This podcast will focus on The Potential of our Plastic Brains, discussing, in particular, Gina's insights on unlocking potential, the idea of the gendered brain and the significance of brain plasticity in the workplace.
You can listen to the podcast below. Find us on iTunes or audioboom, Spotify, Deezer and Google Podcasts to gain access to more episodes.
In this special episode of the podcast for International Women’s Day, as part of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s Growth Through People campaign, The Apprentice 2020 finalist Scarlett Allen-Horton discusses diversity and women in business.
Scarlett, also senior partner at Harper Fox Partners, discusses her personal journey, how representation at senior levels is changing and why businesses across all sectors can better support and develop female talent.
For more information on Growth Through People click here.
McDonald's franchisee and Chamber patron Doug Wright and NatWest's head of large corporate and institutions in the West Midlands, Kim Paterson, discuss creating a comprehensive people development plan for employees in their respective businesses. This episode is part of the Chamber's 2020 Growth Through People campaign.
Small and medium-sized businesses across the West Midlands are being encouraged to utilise the West Midlands Combined Authority's Levy Transfer Fund to help fund their apprentices.
In this episode, Jess Brookes, press and PR assistant at the Chambers, talks to Jose Lopes, head of business engagement at the Combined Authority, to discuss what the levy fund is and how local businesses can tap into it.
Why should your business apply for a Queen's Award for Enterprise? West Midlands Deputy Lieutenant Simon Topman, Kate Canty from the West Midlands Lieutenancy office and Rowan Crozier from past winner C. Brandauer discuss the benefits and the application process.
In the second part of our exclusive interview with Andy Street, the West Midlands mayor discusses the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the region's skills agenda and the forthcoming mayoral election.
In the first episode of a two-part interview, West Midlands mayor Andy Street talks to Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner about HS2, his ambitious transport plans for the region, the bid to build a gigafactory battery plant and 5G technology.
Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week 2020, Chamber patrons National Express and South & City College join us to discuss their successful partnership which has put apprentices on the road to successful careers.
Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, Councillor Daniel Cook, chats to Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive, Paul Faulkner on everything Tamworth, including future developments in the town, supporting young people, and the council's What's Next campaign.
Schools of King Edward VI's executive director Heath Monk and archivist Alison Wheatley join us to discuss the foundation trust's proud heritage, its links with business and future plans.
Paul Faulkner is joined by key figures from Lichfield to discuss future plans for the city and wider district. They talk about the ongoing masterplan exercise for some important developments in the city, initiatives to drive growth and to market the area as a tourist destination.
Dal Darroch, head of diversity and inclusion at the Football Association, joins us to discuss the work that is being done around equality, diversity and inclusion in football. Dal is also a committee member of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce.
What do we love about Birmingham and how have perceptions of the city changed? Hotel du Vin Birmingham's general manager Tom Gallimore and Ben Britain from University of Birmingham/City-REDI join us for our latest Birmingham Economic Review podcast.
Our latest Birmingham Economic Review podcast focuses on how Birmingham is making inclusive economic growth happen. Dan Harrison and Emily Stubbs from the Chamber are joined by Dr Tasos Kitsos (Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham’s Department of Strategy and International Business) and Johnny Shah (head of Trust Charity at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust).
Army major turned businessman Ed Colver joins Curium Solutions co-founder Andy Dawson and Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner ahead of Remembrance Day to discuss links between the armed forces and business, making the transition between the two, resilience and leadership.
Mark Jones from Arup and the University of Birmingham's Professor John Bryson discuss how Birmingham is connecting communities with opportunities through transport, connectivity and environmental sustainability. This episode is part of our 2019 Birmingham Economic Review mini-series.
The latest podcast in our Birmingham Economic Review 2019 mini-series focuses on what Birmingham is doing to create a workforce fit for tomorrow. Dan Harrison and Emily Stubbs from the Chamber are joined by Millennium Point's interim chief executive Abbie Vlahakis and Professor Anne Green from the University of Birmingham.
Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner and director of policy Henrietta Brealey are joined by University of Birmingham's Professor Simon Collinson to discuss themes arising from the 2019 Birmingham Economic Review.
Talking points include Birmingham's economic growth, the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and the strength of the city-region's visitor economy.
This episode is part of a Birmingham Economic Review 2019 mini-series.
To coincide with Baby Loss Awareness Week, we are joined by members of the Birmingham Women’s Hospital team to discuss the support given to families going through the traumatic experience of baby loss.
Bereavement midwife Alison Rea discusses the current care and processes at Birmingham Women’s Hospital, while corporate strategic partnerships manager Saranne Moreno talks about the hospital’s Woodland House Appeal and how it will lead to a greater level of care for those affected.
Businesses who are interested in finding out more about partnering with the hospital and supporting the appeal can email Saranne on saranne.moreno@nhs.net
Birmingham City Council's cabinet member for Transport and the Environment joins us to discuss how the city is gearing up for the introduction of a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in July 2020. Councillor Waseem Zaffar talks to Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner and press & PR manager Dan Harrison about the zone's implementation, the potential impact on business and how firms can stay informed.
Western Union's head of partnerships Christina Wadlow and the Chamber's Henrietta Brealey discuss the global economy and how businesses can adapt to changes on the horizon. This podcast is part of our Raise the BAR campaign, which focuses on business adaptability and resilience.
Key figures from Sutton Coldfield discuss challenges and opportunities facing the Royal Town. Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner is joined by Sutton Coldfield Chamber president Katie Hale and Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council leader Cllr Simon Ward.
The Chamber's Press and PR director John Lamb discusses his new book 'Telegraph People'. Published by Takahe Publishing Ltd, the book centres around John's three spells at the Coventry Telegraph newspaper and recalls the heyday of multi-edition regional newspapers.
Eastside Co's founder and CEO Jason Stokes talks to Dan Harrison about the digital and e-commerce firm's rapid growth and its work with some big-name brands.
Former Birmingham Chamber president Paul Bassi talks about his new book 'Brick by Brick: Success in Business and Life'. He joins Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner to discuss lessons from his illustrious business career and why he chose to document his stories and experiences in print.
Colonel Richard Maybery, the chief executive of the West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (WMRFCA), joins Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner to discuss the Reserves Day and the Armed Forces Covenant.
The managing director of Reach PLC - which publishes the Birmingham Mail and Birmingham Post - joins us to discuss the launch of Business Live, a new website providing business news from across the UK. Marc Reeves talks to Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner about the new website and the changing face of the media industry.
With Birmingham St Mary's Hospice marking 40 years of care this year, chief executive Tina Swani talks to Chamber CEO Paul Faulkner about the organisation's journey and how it is gearing up for the next four decades.
West Midlands mayor Andy Street talks to Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner about inclusive leadership and utilising the region's diversity as one of its greatest strengths.
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce have published the Doing Business in Solihull: An Economic Snapshot, a publication which offers an introduction to the economy and business community within Solihull. In this episode, Lillian Elekan, head of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, Kevin Johns, director of Prime Accountants Group and Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council talks to Jessica Brookes about the report and Solihull's local economy.
In part four of our exclusive interview with Andy Street, the West Midlands mayor talks to Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner about the local industrial strategy. He discusses how the region can create a globally competitive economy and offers his thoughts on devolution.
West Midlands mayor Andy Street talks to Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner about the impact the 2022 Commonwealth Games will have on the region. They also discuss the business and trade opportunities that could arise as a result of the Games.
Birmingham City Council's new director of public health Dr Justin Varney joins us to discuss some of the health inequalities facing Birmingham - and how businesses can help make a difference.
In part two of our big interview with Andy Street, the West Midlands mayor discusses all things transport. Mr Street talks to Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner about investment in the region's public transport, the introduction of a Clean Air Zone in Birmingham and HS2.
In part one of our big interview with Andy Street, the West Midlands mayor addresses the future of the high street. Mr Street talks to Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner about what can be done to give the retail sector a much-needed shot in the arm following its recent struggles.
We hear from Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick about the impact of 2014 Commonwealth Games on Glasgow - and how Birmingham can capitalise on its host city status in 2022. Mr Patrick spoke to Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce's policy director Henrietta Brealey and chief executive Paul Faulkner about the business opportunities and the feel-good factor generated by the Games.
Sports broadcaster Pat Murphy and former cricketer Tim Munton join the Chamber's Dan Harrison to discuss a new book, 'The Greatest Season', which documents Warwickshire CCC's treble-winning exploits of 1994. Murphy is the book's author having covered the history-making season for BBC Radio 5 Live, while fast bowler Munton played a starring role in the Bears' success by taking 81 wickets.
Saira Demmer, the chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce's newest patron SF Recruitment, joins Dan Harrison for in-depth discussion. As well as talking about her own journey and SF Recruitment's rise to become an industry leader, she offers some thoughts on women in leadership and what makes a good recruiter.
Andy Bass of Bass Clusker Consulting and Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner discuss the launch of a new report - 'Multiplying Value: Improving the Productivity of Your People and Your Business Using What You've Already Got'. The report launches at an event on Tuesday 26 March, at Grosvenor St Pauls in Birmingham.
Mondelez UK managing director Louise Stigant joins Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner and director of policy Henrietta Brealey to discuss the future of workplace resilience. Louise talks about some of the initiatives in place to promote staff wellbeing at the global confectionary, food and beverage company. This episode is part of the Chamber's 2019 Growth Through People productivity campaign.
Our latest Growth Through People 2019 podcast focuses on unlocking potential. Anne Clews of Curium Solutions and Tru Powell from Aston Performing Arts Academy join Dan Harrison from the Chamber to discuss ways in which businesses can unlock the potential of their talented employees.
The new president of the Solihull Chamber of Commerce, Robert Elliot, looks ahead to his term. Mr Elliot, who is the sales director at Hogarths Hotels, joins head of the Solihull Chamber Lillian Elekan to set out his aspirations and discuss Solihull's exciting developments.
Our latest Growth Through People 2019 podcast focuses on diversity and inclusion. Amey's head of diversity and inclusion Coral Taylor and Maximity managing director Tracy Pound join Dan Harrison from the Chamber to discuss how sectors and organisations can ensure they are truly diverse and inclusive.
The latest episode in our 2019 Growth Through People mini-series is a discussion on responsible leadership. Wesleyan's Roger Dix and University of Birmingham's Professor Kiran Trehan join Dan Harrison and Emily Stubbs from the Chamber to discuss the impact of responsible and inclusive leadership, and how businesses can improve in these areas.
The first episode in our Growth Through People mini-series focuses on leading through uncertainty and the importance of self-awareness as a leader. Jude Jennison from Leaders By Nature - the author of a book titled 'Leading Through Uncertainty' - joins the Chamber's Dan Harrison and Emily Stubbs.
Colonel Richard Maybery, chief executive of the West Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadet Association, and Juggy Kudhail, director of operations at Specialist Vehicle Rental, join us to discuss independent living - and how Greater Birmingham businesses can help more disabled people find employment.
Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner talks to ART Business Loans chief executive Steve Walker and director Professor Monder Ram about the company's work in lending to small businesses and social enterprises over the past two decades. They also discuss ART's new community share issue which will support the firm's work in the coming months.
A leading chartered occupational health physiotherapist from Chamber patron BHSF provides some top tips for employers on supporting the health and wellbeing of home workers. Stuart Nottingham talks about the responsibility of companies to their home-based employees and how home workers can ensure they are operating in a healthy way.
As the clock ticks towards the March 29 deadline for Britain's departure from the EU, Professor Alex de Ruyter from Birmingham City University's Centre for Brexit Studies and the Chamber's policy director Henrietta Brealey provide expert opinion on the latest Brexit developments. It follows a Parliamentary vote on a series of amendments to Theresa May's withdrawal deal.
In the second of a two-part mini series, Urban Growth Company interim managing director Philip Farrell, Birmingham Airport business development director Jo Lloyd and the NEC Group's operations director Will Heynes join the Solihull Chamber of Commerce's Lillian Elekan to discuss plans for the UK Central Hub in Solihull. The Hub is a 1,300 hectare area of land in Solihull, just off Junction 6 of the M42 motorway. It is home to Birmingham Airport, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham International Station; Birmingham Business Park; Jaguar Land Rover and the 340-acre Arden Cross development site which will be the location of the HS2 Interchange Station from 2026. Part two assesses the infrastructure, utilities and external support required to make the Hub thrive.
In the first of a two-part mini series, Urban Growth Company interim managing director Philip Farrell, Birmingham Airport business development director Jo Lloyd and the NEC Group's operations director Will Heynes join the Solihull Chamber of Commerce's Lillian Elekan to discuss top-level plans for the UK Central Hub in Solihull. The Hub is a 1,300 hectare area of land in Solihull, just off Junction 6 of the M42 motorway. It is home to Birmingham Airport, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham International Station; Birmingham Business Park; Jaguar Land Rover and the 340-acre Arden Cross development site which will be the location of the HS2 Interchange Station from 2026. Part one features an overview of the project, as well as examining how Birmingham Airport and the NEC's development plans tie in.
As plans for the 2022 Commonwealth Games take shape, chair of the organising committee John Crabtree joins Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner and president Saqib Bhatti to discuss how Birmingham can make sure the event is a success. They also talk about the opportunities available to businesses in the region.
International trade and the impact of foreign exchange volatility on businesses in the region come under the microscope in our latest Chamber Podcast. Nawaz Ali of Western Union Business Solutions joins Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner for the discussion.
The final episode of our Birmingham Economic Review 2018 mini-series focuses on inward investment. Former Chamber president and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chair John Crabtree and University of Warwick's Professor Nigel Driffield join Emily Stubbs and Dan Harrison from the Chamber to discuss Birmingham's potential to attract inward investment.
Ahead of Living Wage Week, Lucy Bannister from the Living Wage Foundation and Laura McLellan from Squire Patton Boggs join the Chamber's Dan Harrison to discuss responsible pay and how businesses can avoid inadvertently paying below the minimum wage.
Our mini-series covering themes arising from the Birmingham Economic Review 2018 continues with a discussion on the business environment. Former Birmingham Chamber president Steve Brittan of BSA Technologies joins Dan Harrison and Emily Stubbs to discuss the region's rich manufacturing history - and what the future holds for this vitally important sector.
Part two of a mini-series covering themes arising from the Birmingham Economic Review 2018 is a discussion on people. University of Birmingham's Professor Anne Green and Asian Business Chamber of Commerce vice president Haseena Lockhart join Dan Harrison and Emily Stubbs from the Chamber to discuss how the region can unlock the full potential of its people and ensure its diversity is reflected in senior leadership.
Part one of a mini-series covering themes arising from the Birmingham Economic Review 2018 is a discussion on ideas. University of Birmingham's Professor Simon Collinson and Curium's Andy Dawson join Dan Harrison and Emily Stubbs from the Chamber to talk about innovation, R&D, artificial intelligence and the role of universities.
To mark World Mental Health Day, Lisa Ingram from Amey and Colin Corrodus from Deutsche Bank join the Chamber's Dan Harrison to discuss work that is being done to address mental health issues in the workplace and the challenges that lie ahead.
Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner is joined by HS2 chief executive Mark Thurston and LMJV project director Richard Kirkham to discuss the HS2 skills strategy and its impact on the region.
Saqib Bhatti, the new president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, joins chief executive Paul Faulkner and press and PR director John Lamb to discuss his two-year term in the hotseat.
Innovation Birmingham Campus CEO David Hardman, Jim Allen of energy equipment suppliers SIGinside and the Chamber’s director of policy Henrietta Brealey discuss investment in technology and machinery in Greater Birmingham as part of the Invest to Grow campaign.
Professor Simon Collinson from the University of Birmingham, Nic Young from the NEC Group and the Chamber's director of policy Henrietta Brealey discuss innovation, research and development in Greater Birmingham as part of the Invest to Grow campaign.
Dan Harrison is joined by Wesleyan's Jessica Wilkes-Reading to discuss 'Curse of the Nomed' - a new children's book produced by Wesleyan in conjunction with the charity Partnership for Children. The novel addresses the subject of youth mental health and was written to help children who are about to start secondary school.
Hilary Witts from Colliers International and the Chamber's Raj Kandola discuss controversial changes to the business rates system and what they mean for local firms.
How can Birmingham become more efficient, sustainable and create a better quality of life through data and new technologies? Arup's Rick Robinson and Aston University's Sarah Hainsworth join Chamber press & PR executive Dan Harrison to discuss.
Trump's tariffs, Brexit uncertainty and a deterioration in relations between the US and China have made for a volatile global landscape. But what effect are these factors having on investment decisions? Wesleyan's investments managing director Robert Vaudry joins Chamber CEO Paul Faulkner to discuss the impact on Greater Birmingham.
Rob Pollard, founder and CEO of Lightbox, joins us to discuss the success of his fast-growing digital firm and the future of Birmingham's thriving tech and digital scene.
As the 70th anniversary of the NHS is celebrated nationally, our special guests give us an insight into healthcare in the West Midlands and what the future holds for the health service. Dr Fiona Reynolds, chief medical officer at Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and Richard Samuda, chairman of Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust join us.
Dan Harrison presents a special transatlantic trade episode from the British American Business Council (BABC) conference in Birmingham. We hear from West Midlands mayor Andy Street, Midlands Engine chair Sir John Peace, executive director of BritishAmerican Business Emanuel Adam and the Department for International Trade's capability director Oliver Griffiths.
Joe Brusuelas, chief economist from RSM in the United States, joins Henrietta Brealey and Dan Harrison to provide a transatlantic perspective on Brexit - and discuss what a future UK-USA trade deal might look like. Joe was speaking ahead of his appearance at the British American Business Council conference in Birmingham.
South & City College principal Mike Hopkins joins the Chamber's director of policy and strategic relationships Henrietta Brealey and press & PR executive Dan Harrison to discuss the findings from our 2018 Growth Through People Campaign. The month-long campaign produced some interesting statistics around the impact of investment in leadership and management skills on productivity.
Keith Stokes-Smith, president of the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce, talks to Dan Harrison about the region's relationship with the Commonwealth. Keith also discusses representing Birmingham at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London and being part of the second city's delegation at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast.
Veteran sports broadcaster Pat Murphy joins Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner and press & PR executive Dan Harrison to discuss the fortunes of the region's teams and to share some anecdotes from his long career as a football and cricket correspondent with BBC Sport.
The man known as 'Mr McDonald's', Doug Wright, talks to Dan Harrison about his remarkable journey from McDonald's employee to award-winning franchisee. Doug discusses climbing the ladder within the McDonald's empire, his work with the Ronald McDonald House charity, his company's commitment to equality and diversity and the £11m refurbishment programme across his 17 restaurants.
Dan Harrison catches up with Loki Wine founder Phil Innes. Phil talks about the rise in popularity of Loki's flagship city centre venue, the opening of the second site in Edgbaston and tasting success at the 2017 Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce awards.
Anita Bhalla, chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Leadership Commission, and Andrew Marcinko, PHD candidate at Aston Business School, provide a fascinating insight into unlocking potential in business, as well as offering thoughts on diversity, inclusion and tackling unconscious bias. They join Dan Harrison and Henrietta Brealey for the discussion, which forms part of the Chamber’s Growth Through People Campaign.
Aston University's Mark Smith, Jane Jarvis from the NEC Group and Patrick Woodman of the Chartered Management Institute join us to discuss attracting and retaining talent, as part of the Greater Birmingham Chamber's of Commerce's Growth Through People campaign.
To mark National Apprenticeship Week, Mark Smith from Aston University and Chamber patron & policy advisor Emily Stubbs discuss ongoing apprenticeship reforms, the Apprenticeship Levy and the importance of collaboration between business and education.
To coincide with the launch of the Chamber's Growth Through People campaign, Professor Ian Thomson from the Lloyds Banking Group Centre for Responsible Business and Deutsche Bank's Paul Anderson join Henrietta Brealey and Dan Harrison to discuss responsible leadership in business. Responsible Leadership is the theme of the first week of Growth Through People 2018.
Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber president James Blackman and Burton & District Chamber president Simon Chapman join us to discuss the impact late payment has on small and medium-sized businesses. James tells us about a pledge launched by the Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber of Commerce that encourages businesses to pay their suppliers in 30 days.
Tim Pile, the new chair of the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), joins us to discuss driving economic growth and tackling some of the challenges facing the region.
RSM tax partner Nick Blundell and Iron Oxide Design's Andy Smythe join Henrietta Brealey and Dan Harrison to discuss innovation in Greater Birmingham - and why businesses are missing out on a range of incentives and tax credits.
Why should diversity matter to business? Asian Business Chamber of Commerce director Anjum Khan, GBCC's director of policy Henrietta Brealey and chief financial officer Helen Bates join us to discuss the topic. We also examine what the Chambers are doing to move the diversity agenda forward.
In this episode, we state the case to bring Channel 4 to the West Midlands. Mayor Andy Street’s campaign to relocate the broadcaster to the region has been gathering momentum over the past few weeks. Chamber president Paul Kehoe and chief executive Paul Faulkner say the West Midlands would be the perfect home for Channel 4. They are joined by press & PR director John Lamb and press & PR executive Dan Harrison to discuss the implications of a potential move.
Birmingham City University's head of skills Matthew Till joins Raj Kandola and Dan Harrison from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce to discuss the Birmingham economy and take a look at what can be done to address issues surrounding productivity and skills.
In episode two, we're discussing all things Brexit. With negotiations between the UK Government and the European Union continuing to dominate the political landscape, director of policy Henrietta Brealey, senior policy advisor Raj Kandola and press & PR executive Dan Harrison assess what happens next and the potential impact on business.
In this episode, we're counting the cost of congestion in Birmingham. Chief executive Paul Faulkner, senior policy advisor Raj Kandola and press and PR executive Dan Harrison discuss the effect on productivity and the measures that can be taken to keep the city moving.