The Business of Birmingham
In 2018 I set up the Birmingham based, West Midlands finance specialist recruitment agency, Identify Finance Recruitment. But for anyone who’s met or spoken with me, they’re likely to notice one thing- I’m not a born and bred Brummie. In fact, I spent the first 18 years of my life in the rural outskirts of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire (Q- how do you tell if someone’s from Yorkshire? A- They tell you within the first 5 seconds of conversation).
Originally, my plan in 2008 had been to come to Birmingham to study for 4 years and then move elsewhere. Like many, I’d grown up with a stereotype of Birmingham that had probably been formed in the 60’s and 70’s. One of endless concrete, dying industries and a lack of culture beyond Black Sabbath and Jasper Carrott (no offence intended of course to Mssrs. Carrott and Osborne). But having been in Birmingham for only a few days I encountered a city very different to the one I’d heard of. I saw world class performances at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall (which I’m reliably told has the best acoustics of any concert hall in Europe), I ate some of the best food I’d ever tasted at restaurants such as Fiesta Del Asado and Itihaas, I took part in huge life affirming events like the Birmingham Half Marathon. With such fantastic culture and job opportunities aplenty, there was absolutely no reason for me to leave Birmingham having graduated from my course.
10 years after moving to the city I went into business and having attended many an event with the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce my love of Birmingham and belief in its bright future has only grown. The transformation of Paradise Forum from Birmingham’s famed concrete into the beautifully crafted glass buildings, water features and open spaces is simply stunning. The ambitious plans for increased public transport access and decreased CO2 and NO2 emissions will have really positive knock on effects for the rest of the country. Last and not least- we can’t forget the ever imminent 2022 Commonwealth Games that will again transform this fantastic city and see it televised, Youtubed and shared across the globe.
So, say it quietly, but I think that Birmingham may finally be ridding itself of its outdated stereotype. In 10 years’ time, Brummies probably won’t have the self-satisfied swagger more commonly associated with Mancunians and Londoners- that’s just not the Brummie way. But, what we will have is an ultra-modern, energetic, forward thinking city. So, I call on my fellow entrepreneurs and industry leaders to join me- put your money where your mouth is and invest in Birmingham. Not only will your balance sheets see a healthy return, but you’ll have a lot of fun along the way.