The November/December 2016 edition of Edit magazine
Hot off the press… the latest edition of Retail BID Birmingham’s Edit magazine is on its way to more than 500 city centre businesses.
This is the sixth edition of the member magazine, published by Edwin Ellis Creative Media on behalf of Retail BID; the Business Improvement District for city centre retail and leisure businesses.
The 32-page edition talks about Retail BID’s successful Ballot Renewal, events for 2017 such as the return of the Weekender arts festival, along with interviews with department store managers and new openings and expansions in the city centre.
For more information about Retail BID click here.
Birmingham-based Associated Architects has been praised by conservation experts after completing the first phase of refurbishment at the Edward Boyle Library at the University of Leeds.
The practice has been singled out for its ‘deep understanding’ of the building’s special character, attention to detail and appreciation of the original 1975 design concepts throughout the library’s £17 million refurbishment process.
Associated Architects was appointed to design a comprehensive refurbishment of the concrete modernist building that was completed in the mid-1970s and extended in 1996.
Five floors of the 6-storey building are now open to visitors with the remaining study spaces due for completion in January 2017.
The Edward Boyle Library forms part of a much wider group of listed Brutalist buildings at the University of Leeds designed by Chamberlin, Powell & Bon and constructed in the 1960s and early ’70s.
The restoration of the building not only seeks to provide a state-of-the-art library encompassing a wide variety of different learning environments, but also to enhance and reinforce the original design intent of the building that has either been lost over time or during the original construction process.
Associated Architects liaised directly with the sole remaining partner of Chamberlin, Powell & Bon to compile a comprehensive Statement of Heritage Significance, which helped secure planning permission for the refurbishment works, along with other design details from the original plans.
Kate Newell, Senior Conservation Officer, Environment and Design Group at Leeds City Council, said: “The Edward Boyle Library refurbishment is an exciting project showing that change can enhance and strengthen the significance of listed buildings if based on a good understanding of special character and significance.
“The Design Team’s informed approach was the foundation for the scheme with the new works inspired by their understanding and appreciation of the original design intent and existing structure.
“Motifs, approaches and opportunities have been informed by this deep understanding and the results have strengthened the significance of the building while updating it to face the challenges of the changing approach to education in the 21st century.
How Architects’ Journal covered the refurbishment on its website
“The re-presented building delivers a state-of the-art library and once again reveals the design strength and original concepts of the Chamberlin, Powell & Bon campus buildings that are such an asset to the University.”
Associated Architects’ brief was to provide a library of quality appropriate for a research-intensive 21st century university, to increase NSS scores and cater for an increasing student population.
Consolidation of the book collection and use of rolling stack and stores have given scope to improve study space throughout the building, including increasing natural light levels and creating bookable group spaces and individual research studies for postgraduates.
Reimagined stepped study carrels on each floor provide improved learning spaces with new sightlines and external views of the University campus and its artworks, among them a Barbara Hepworth sculpture.
The top floor of the library has been converted to a dedicated Post Graduate and Research Suite, which will also provide better working facilities for interdisciplinary research groups and visiting scholars.
Extensive reglazing of solid external walls at ground and first floor levels opens up the library visually and increases internal daylighting.
Chamberlin, Powell & Bon followed a sequence modelled on the colours of the rainbow used to denote levels across campus, this colour theme has been reintroduced through its furnishings and finishes, while all interior walls have been repainted with subtle whites and greys.
The energy performance of the building will be significantly improved through new secondary glazing, internally applied insulation and airtightness improvement works.
Using the BREEAM 2014 accreditation methodology the refurbishment is targeting an Excellent rating and is likely to be one of the first under the new standard.
Press release issued by Edwin Ellis Creative Media on behalf of Associated Architects
A Great Western Arcade shop owner has been relishing the return of Birmingham-based drama Peaky Blinders to BBC2.
That’s because Daisy Nyamie, founder of Peter Forson hats and scarves, knew demand for her Stetson flat caps, as styled by the infamous Shelby family, would go through the roof.
Spring and summer are busy periods for Daisy, who built on her successful online business, www.peterforson.com, by opening the store last October.
With the horse racing and wedding season getting underway, sales of her designer hats and lavish accessories are also set to flourish.
“I usually sell around three or four Peaky Blinders-style caps everyday but with the third series starting in May, they’re even more popular,” said Daisy.
“They sell well because I’m the only retailer in the city that stocks the high-quality Stetson range, which David Beckham wears.
“I was running low and had to order more in time for the show. I must stress that mine come without the razor blades!”
Business has been brisk during Peter Forson’s first seven months of trade, with the store fitting seamlessly into GWA’s array of independent stores, including fashion retailers.
The shop features hand-selected headpieces from high-end designers like Borsalino, Vivienne Westwood, Nerida Fraiman, Maddox and Lara Bohinc.
Daisy also stocks Whiteley hats, the brand of choice for Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.
“We’ve built up a strong online presence over the last three years and I couldn’t have asked for anymore since opening our first shop,” added Daisy, who named the store after her mum’s great uncle.
“Attention now starts turning towards the summer, with women considering what to wear at Ascot, other race meetings and weddings.
“This is where our one-off pieces, from UK and international designers, come into their own.
“Women take the fact their hat is unique, that the milliner has only made that one, very seriously.
“The last thing they want is to go to Ascot and bump into someone else wearing the same design.”
This article was written on behalf of Edwin Ellis Creative Media client Retail BID Birmingham
Edwin Ellis Creative Media was honoured to be part of this year’s Great Birmingham 10K, which saw more than 7,000 runners hit the city streets on Sunday, May 1.
Our brief is to manage all regional PR for the annual event; fast becoming one of the highlights of the city’s sports calendar.
We’ll also be overseeing PR for the Great Birmingham Run on Sunday, October 16.
Edwin Ellis director Stacey Barnfield was on hand at the 10K start-line to help make sure celebrity runners arrived on time, were interviewed and photographed, and to help highlight the great, heart-warming stories from the thousands of charity runners who make this event so special.
This year’s 10K proved a smash hit as thousands took part in the run with music at its heart.
Runners of all abilities completed the music-themed 6.2mile event from Jennens Road to its finish on Broad Street in its second staging in the city.
The event is organised by The Great Run Company, who also stage the Great Birmingham Run in October and recently launched the brand new Birmingham International Marathon, to be staged next year.
Brum music legends UB40 on the Great Birmingham 10K start line
Among the many celebrities taking part were former Birmingham City stars Geoff Horsfield and Michael Johnson, ex Aston Villa hero Ian Taylor, Birmingham-born TV and radio host Adrian Chiles, and England and Warwickshire cricketer Jonathan Trott.
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Raymond Hassall, ran and walked the 10K route to raise funds for his charities of the year, and Handsworth-born Olympic medallist Ian Stewart also took part.
Former Apprentice contestant Gary Poulton completed the course in a mankini, while ‘Blind Dave’ Heeley, a regular at Great Run events and avid fundraiser, and triathlon star Jodie Stimpson were also involved in the event.
Reggae legends UB40, Robin and Duncan Campbell, Brian Travers, Earl Falconer, James Brown and Norman Hassan, cheered on the runners as honorary starters of the event, with Britain’s Got Talent star Connie Talbot serenading runners and spectators alike ahead of the start. There was no shortage of musical motivation as each wave was set off to tunes from a different decade, with 70s, 80s and 90s ‘fashion’ thrown in.
The first male across the finish line was Brit Jack Gray in a time of 31:45, with Aaron Bienenfeld and Sascha Strotzel of Germany following in 32:12 and 32.20 respectively.
A performer from the International Dance Festival Birmingham in Centenary Square
The first female finisher was Emma Clayton in a time of 34:27, closely followed by Jodie Stimpson in 35:17 and Leonie Balter in 37:09, which overall resulted in Team Birmingham winning the Birmingham European Capital of Running 10k Cup.
Acrobats from the city’s International Dance Festival, which features 39 free outdoor events and 11 world and UK premieres between May 1-22, performed the critically-acclaimed Cubes in Centenary Square to the delight of 10K spectators.
David Hart, communications director for The Great Run Company, said: “It was great to see so many people not only taking part but coming along to support their friends and family too.
“With the musical theme loud and proud, it was a day that everyone could enjoy and we hope to see as many people back on the start line next year.”
Entries for the 2017 event are now open, for more information visit greatrun.org/birmingham10k.
Entrants to this year’s event also get £10 off entry to the Great Birmingham Run half marathon on October 16. Visit greatrun.org/Birmingham
To register interest in the Birmingham International Marathon, sign up to the reminder service at greatrun.org/reminderservice
For press updates, images and interview opportunities for all Great Run events in Birmingham email stacey@edwinelliscreativemedia.com
Birmingham Press Club members attending its regular First Thursday networking night on April 7 are in for a special treat.
For the club has been invited to the city’s newest four-star hotel, the Park Regis, which has officially opened its doors to guests.
Park Regis is located in the former Auchinleck House on Broad Street, which has received a £50 million renovation to transform the building into a modern silver-clad hotel offering 253 deluxe rooms, two junior suites and the largest presidential suite in Birmingham.
Positioned as a hotel for both leisure and business travellers, Park Regis Birmingham houses an à la carte restaurant, all-glass Saki Bar and Pan Asian Fusion Restaurant on the 16th floor, as well as an executive level complete with conference and meeting spaces, a business lounge with executive check-in facilities, dry spa and gym.
Park Regis Birmingham is the brand’s first hotel in Europe but 15th globally, with locations in Australia, Asia and the UAE.
Press Club Director Stacey Barnfield talked about the hotel for one of his ‘Barnfield’s Brum’ updates in his role as Chairman of Downtown Birmingham in Business, after attending the topping-out ceremony earlier this year.
Press Club members are requested to meet on the fourth floor of the hotel in its 1565 Restaurant & Bar from 5.45 pm
But remember – to take advantage of the ‘free drinks’ offer you must be a signed-up member of the Press Club.
Details on how to join the Club may be found at www.birmingham-press-club.co.uk or by getting in touch with Membership Secretary Adrian Kibbler on 07831 690940. E-mail him at adrian@akpr.ltd.uk
The Solihull branch of bespoke tailor Clements & Church became the first store in the group to launch a Business Club for clients.
Business Club members are invited to exclusive Clements & Church evening events to experience the brand’s unique service and expertise with special prices for Club members.
The Drury Lane store is the first of the five Clements & Church branches to run the Business Club, which gives members the chance to find out first about new fabrics and collections while networking at the invite-only gatherings.
Clements & Church Solihull
Clements & Church Solihull
Clements & Church Solihull
Clements & Church Solihull
Clements & Church Solihull manager Michael Jones told Business Club guests about the retailer’s current projects: “The events are proving to be a great success for networking. The general feedback we have had regarding the product is outstanding, even down to people stopping our customers in the street to ask where they bought their suits.
“With the imminent arrival of our new website, we are more than ready as a brand to take the next step with forthcoming plans including being featured in some very high profile national magazines – so watch this space.”
Email solihull@clementsandchurch.co.uk for more information about the Business Club.
This article was written on behalf of Edwin Ellis Creative Media client Solihull Business Improvement District (BID).
An audio tour of post-war public art in Birmingham has been launched by Historic England.
The GPS-led guide is free on any smartphone through the Geotourist app and will take listeners on a tour to rediscover the city’s unburied treasures from the post-war years.
England has a fascinating yet widely forgotten collection of public art from the post-war period.
A Historic England spokesperson said: “After the Second World War art was used to bring our public spaces back to life as the country began to repair its shattered towns and cities.
“This art was created for everyone, to humanise and enrich our streets, housing estates, expanding universities and schools.
“Sadly, our post-war public art is often overlooked or under-valued and can fall victim to scrap metal thieves or vandals.
“Whilst researching this project we have discovered that Hebe on Birmingham’s Corporation Street, which features in the tour, has been vandalised: the large bronze bowl which the figure of the Greek goddess Hebe leans over has disappeared.
The Geotourist website
“Through this audio tour Historic England hopes to raise awareness of just how vulnerable public art can be and strengthen people’s sense of ownership of the art that was created for them.
“We want to make it harder for public art to be stolen, destroyed, or simply forgotten and left to the elements.”
The free tour will guide listeners to post-war artworks across Birmingham using only their smartphones. Listeners will discover the fascinating stories behind different pieces, some still cherished and others now forgotten.
Lasting around an hour, this audio tour will explore a number of public artworks in Birmingham including the beautiful but crumbling Horsefair mosaic on Holloway Circus Roundabout, made from tiny pieces of coloured Venetian glass, which depicts the city’s historic horse fair and William Pye’s evocative Peace Sculpture which commemorates 53 people who were killed on the night of 19 November 1940, when a German plane bombed an arms factory.
To listen to the Birmingham audio tour, go to: www.geotourist.com/tours/790
Article courtesy Historic England media
The second edition of Retail BID Birmingham’s Edit magazine, produced by Edwin Ellis Creative Media, will be finding its way to more than 500 BID member businesses over the next few days.
The bi-monthly news magazine features Business Improvement District news and projects, plus retail and restaurant launches within the city centre.
The January/February edition looks at plans to transform New Street, one of the oldest streets in the city centre, and reveals details about the BID’s renewal ballot process.
There’s also a focus on the Bennetts Hill area of Birmingham city centre and the numerous bars and restaurants making it a great destination for a night out or lunchtime business catch-up.
Pinball wizards and craft beer fans will be in their element at city centre bar Tilt Birmingham.
Tilt is bringing premium beers and ‘the top 5% of coffee produced in the world’ to the Grade II listed City Arcade off Union Street.
Kirk Sadler and Richard Kimberley, who will use their expertise of CAMRA membership and working for BrewDog, are behind the new venture.
Alongside coffee roasted in Helston in Cornwall, the bar stocks baked goods supplied by BAKE, located in Edgbaston.
City Arcade, Birmingham; home to Tilt
A whole corner of Tilt is dedicated to classic pinball machines to ‘increase social interaction and friendly competitiveness’, according to owners Richard and Kirk, who are also keen to host clubs such as mother and baby mornings, book clubs and a pinball children’s club in the morning, when alcohol is not being served.
Tilt’s City Arcade premises also benefits from the new Metro route and a tram stop on nearby Corporation Street.
Follow @Tilt_Brum on Twitter for more information about the bar.
This article appears in the January/February edition of Retail Birmingham’s Edit magazine
A topical and newsworthy angle provided an Edwin Ellis Creative Media client with extensive press coverage across the West Midlands.
Solihull Business Improvement District is training its Town Host visitor guides in crime prevention in anticipation of cuts to community policing in the borough.
Solihull BID’s four Town Hosts have now been given Security Industry Association (SIA) training to Door Supervisor Level as well as instruction in conflict management and legal advice on what they can and can’t do in an emergency situation.
The news release was published in print, online and through social media in the Birmingham Mail, Solihull News and Coventry Telegraph newspapers at the end of November and early December 2015.
The Solihull BID Town Hosts’ training news release in full:
Solihull town centre’s visitor guides have been given additional crime prevention and conflict management training after a proposal to cut police community support officer numbers in the borough was announced.
The four Town Hosts are employed by Solihull Business Improvement District (BID) to support shops and businesses by patrolling the town centre and guiding visitors. They also have radio links to the CCTV control centre.
West Midlands Police is proposing to take hundreds of police community support officers (PCSOs) off the streets by 2020, part of the force’s WMP2020 consultation plan which sets out how it will operate in future as it makes savings of £130 million.
Solihull BID’s Town Hosts have now been given Security Industry Association (SIA) training to Door Supervisor Level as well as instruction in conflict management.
As part of the SIA training the Town Hosts were given legal advice on what they’re allowed to do in emergency situations. They were also trained in self-defence and restraint techniques.
Solihull Retail Crime Initiative is chaired by BID Operations Manager John Timms, who said: “With the reduction in visible neighbourhood police officers in Solihull town centre the Hosts are going to be called upon more by businesses for help and support.
Solihull BID Town Host
“By giving them this extra training it will enable the Hosts to recognise and deal with different and evolving situations in a more reassured and confident manner.”
BID Executive Director Melanie Palmer explained how a key strand of the BID’s business plan, formed following consultation with town centre companies, was to keep Solihull safe and secure.
“The main role for our Town Hosts is to act as a reassuring presence in the town and to work closely with key partners to protect our businesses and to deter criminal activity,” said Ms Palmer.
“The recent training enhances their existing knowledge making their team impact even stronger.”
Figures released by West Midlands Police earlier this year revealed shoplifting in Solihull town centre dropped by 18 per cent in the 12 months to April 2015, the second year in a row that crime has reduced in the town, bucking the regional trend as shoplifting increased in other parts of the West Midlands.
There was also a 25 per cent reduction in the theft of purses and business crime had also dropped by 10.5 per cent over the 12-month period.
Chief Superintendent Alex Murray, the Solihull police commander, said the expected reduction in PCSOs will not happen immediately and he did not know at this stage where and how fast the numbers would be reduced by.
“West Midlands Police is still committed to neighbourhood policing and to cater for the smaller numbers we are changing how we operate in nearly every field of operation to become more efficient and concentrate in the areas where the greatest impact on crime can be achieved,” said Chief Superintendent Murray.
“Part of that process is building on the knowledge that residents and partners can have a huge effect on feelings of safety and preventing crime.
“In Solihull town centre the BID’s Town Hosts are well known and much loved in providing reassurance to visitors, advice to businesses and a clear deterrent message to offenders.
“Not many town centres have teams like this and I am really pleased Solihull’s works so well. The extra training they will receive on crime prevention will help bring down business crime and make sure Solihull is even safer in the evening.
“I would personally like to thank both the BID team for their commitment and the Solihull businesses for their on-going support to the BID. I would love to see BIDs start in Shirley and Chelmsley Wood too.”
Birmingham Cathedral has been making waves throughout 2015 as it celebrates its 300th birthday with a series of public art events.
Soul Boats is the latest installation and quite possibly the most eye-catching.
Designed by artist Jake Lever, hundreds of gold boats hang from the cathedral roof space; the inside of each designed by individuals of different faith perspectives and views.
The flotilla of tiny cardboard boats pointed in the direction of the newly-refurbished cathedral’s chancel, with Edward Burne-Jones’s Ascension window behind the altar, is a striking sight and one to take a moment to savour if you’re in the city centre.
One of the most fascinating aspects to Soul Boats is that each of the individually-designed 3D interiors, featuring hand-crafted words or illustrations, is hidden from view, creating a private reflection in such a grand space.
Soul Boats is on display until March 18, 2016 at Birmingham Cathedral.
