Brumbassadors: Why Birmingham Means Business

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Forget the stereotypes. Brumbassadors brings you real stories behind one of the UK's most exciting city-regions. Join influential voices from business, culture and sport as they discuss the ideas, opportunities and events putting Birmingham on the map. Whether we're talking investment and innovation, major sporting occasions, cultural highlights or Birmingham's best-kept secrets, every episode shines a spotlight on the people and stories shaping our future. Subscribe today and discover why there's never been a more exciting time to be part of Birmingham.

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    004 | The people and stories that make Birmingham great

    Become a Brumbassador and carry on the conversation. -- What makes Birmingham great? According to two of the city’s best-known champions, it’s the people and their stories. In this episode of Brumbassadors: Why Birmingham Means Business, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Henrietta Brealey is joined by Anita Bhalla and PJ Ellis. Anita’s career has taken her from award-winning journalist, broadcaster and BBC leader to one of Birmingham’s most influential civic champions. She chairs B:Music - the company that operates both the Town Hall and Symphony Hall - and Birmingham City University. PJ has had a varied career as a lawyer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, broadcaster and event host. He is currently a presenter on BBC Radio WM, chair of the Lord Mayor of Birmingham's Charity and co-creator of the Wit+Grit Podcast. In this episode: Anita's role in founding the BBC Asian NetworkPJ's philanthropic work - including co-founding LoveBrumWhy Birmingham is “like a comfortable aunt” and how to sum up the city’s cultureHidden heroes and the Brummies who inspired themWhat they'd change about the city if they had a magic wandA taste test of the Brummie bacon cake from B:Eats at Symphony Hall -- More from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Sign up to the Greater Birmingham Business News daily newsletter. Follow on LinkedIn and Instagram. More from STEAMhouse Visit the STEAMhouse website. Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.

  2. Oct 12

    003 | Birmingham’s media landscape: Telling the city’s story

    Become a Brumbassador and carry on the conversation. -- How well does the media tell Birmingham’s story, and how can the city’s businesses make better use of it? In this episode of Brumbassadors: Why Birmingham Means Business, BBC Radio WM presenter Ed James and broadcaster and journalist Marverine Cole join Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce's head of media and communications Dan Harrison to take a look at the state of Birmingham’s media sector. They discuss how the media landscape has changed during their careers, the roles of local journalism, independent producers and digital creators, and what key investments from organisations such as the BBC mean for the future. They also assess whether Birmingham is fairly represented by the national media, how the city can promote itself with confidence without ignoring its challenges, and how it can attract, develop and keep media talent. In this episode: Ed and Marverine on how the city has shaped their careersTheir routes into broadcasting and how the opportunities compare with todayThe challenges and opportunities within the city's media sectorBBC's new headquarters and partnership with Birmingham City UniversityIs Birmingham represented fairly by the national media?How the city can tell its story betterAdvice for building a media career in Birmingham -- More from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Sign up to the Greater Birmingham Business News daily newsletter. Follow on LinkedIn and Instagram. More from STEAMhouse Visit the STEAMhouse website. Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.

  3. Sep 14

    001 | International Day of Birmingham: What's got us feeling bullish about Brum?

    Become a Brumbassador and carry on the conversation. -- Welcome to the first ever episode of Brumbassadors: Why Birmingham Means Business - the podcast championing Birmingham, brought to you by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and Steam House. In this first episode, the GBCC's CEO Henrietta Brealey is joined by Stuart Cain, chief executive at Edgbaston Stadium, and Alex Nicholson-Evans, city curator director behind Birmingham Light Festival, Birmingham Restaurant Festival and the new Birmingham Jewellery Biennial. Ahead of International Day of Birmingham on 24 September, Stuart and Alex share what's got them feeling bullish about the city right now - from the Jewellery Quarter's Worldcraft City status to Edgbaston's Ashes 2027 preparations and Birmingham's food scene. They also set out a simple call to action for every listener - share what you love about Birmingham and challenge anyone talking the city down. In this episode: What International Day of Birmingham is, where it came from, and what's on for 24 SeptemberWhat's got Stuart and Alex feeling bullish about Birmingham right nowBirmingham's World Craft City status for jewellery and the new Jewellery BiennialEdgbaston's Ashes preparations and the new Radisson RED hotelSnack time - top picks from Birmingham's food scene -- More from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Sign up to the Greater Birmingham Business News daily newsletter. Follow on LinkedIn and Instagram. More from STEAMhouse Visit the STEAMhouse website. Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.

About

Forget the stereotypes. Brumbassadors brings you real stories behind one of the UK's most exciting city-regions. Join influential voices from business, culture and sport as they discuss the ideas, opportunities and events putting Birmingham on the map. Whether we're talking investment and innovation, major sporting occasions, cultural highlights or Birmingham's best-kept secrets, every episode shines a spotlight on the people and stories shaping our future. Subscribe today and discover why there's never been a more exciting time to be part of Birmingham.