COMMUNITYUR
SPRING/SUMMER 2021
DIAMOND 6700 ‘The final piece in the BBP jigsaw’ is now being marketed
Gold winner: International Green Apple Awards 2018 & 2019 Managed by Gold Cycling Score WINNER 2020 COMMUNITYUR NEWS & EVENTS COMMUNITYUR Birmingham Business Park SPRING/SUMMER 2021 WALK has introduced new ‘Net INTRODUCING... Welcome to your spring 2021 Walking’ sessions. ‘Our Community’ magazine. THIS For many, it’s been a Name: Fenella Parish There is good news on the WAY year of working from Job Title: Assistant Management horizon and we are very much home. This is a great way Surveyor, Workman LLP looking forward to welcoming to safely reconnect with many of you back to the park your colleagues at BBP. over the coming months as The sessions will be organised on behalf of What interests lockdowns begin to ease away BBP and led by health and wellbeing mentor, you about and we return to ‘normality’. Julia Mitchell (www.yourhealthysteps.co.uk) working at It is great to see so many of Julia (pictured right) will lead this lunchtime Birmingham our occupiers have been active walk with an opportunity for you to meet Business Park? over the winter and into 2021, colleagues from BBP. Not only is it a great I really like the as you will opportunity to socialise but spending time in green and blue spaces community feel read from the (ecopsychology) has been shown to have a positive effect on wellbeing. that the park many articles The first session will take place at 12.30pm on Thursday 17th June, provides and I within… enjoy! meeting at the Park Management offices. Booking is essential so please enjoy the team work. contact Julia on 07795 498949 or email [email protected] to I am passionate about updating Jo Richmond, reserve your place. Property and modernising properties and Manager, sites and feel like this role requires a Workman LLP lot of thought and innovation which I find exciting, interesting, and fun! ONLINE MENTAL AGE UK CAPTAIN I’m only young and I will hopefully HEALTH FIRST be working for Workman for a long AID TRAINING TOM CHALLENGE time and look forward to watching 10am-1pm on 20th, Birmingham Business Park grow and 21st, 24th & 25th May To celebrate Captain Sir Tom Moore’s develop. amazing achievements – raising £38.9 Visiting BBP enabled me to see A blended learning million for the NHS Covid-19 appeal – and and feel for myself the communal programme, providing mark what would have been his 101st environment that has been created participants with the birthday, everyone is invited to take part in a over the past few years and I really skills to identify and fundraising challenge for Age UK Solihull. was impressed with the overall feel support mental health Between Friday 30th April and Monday of the park. in the workplace. 3rd May, follow in Captain Tom’s footsteps Not only does the park feel Reduced price – £249 and mark what would have been his 101st friendly and well maintained, it is BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS PARK: birthday by setting a ‘100’ themed challenge. also aesthetically pleasing. I was CYCLING SCORE GOLD per person using the code ‘ ’ for This could be anything from walking 100 amazed at the range of activities, BBP1 metres to baking 100 cakes, scoring 100 companies within BBP. from outdoor gym apparatus to goals, cycling 100 miles, writing a 100-word Participants must be ping pong tables and so on. There poem or a 100 themed are also food stalls offering a able to attend all four challenge of their own. sessions. diversity of menus, which is a lovely For more details visit idea. It is clear the park considers its https://captaintom100. clients with everything they do. Please contact virginmoneygiving.com/ Our Community magazine is Lorraine: lorraine@ giving/captaintom100/ I enjoyed my visit and am produced for Birmingham Business Park looking forward to returning more by Edwin Ellis Creative Media waystoflourish.com or and select ‘Age UK www.edwinelliscreativemedia.com call 07538 275113 Solihull’. frequently when it is safe to do so.
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 2 COMMUNITYUR NEWS IN BRIEF
PARK HYGIENE WELL COMPANY’S 10% SAVING FOR DONE, OCCUPIERS Business Park-based Health and Hygiene Products Ltd is offering fellow BBP occupiers BBP WELCOMES 10% off a range of products STRIKING NEW EMMA! and services to support a safe return to the workspace. ENTRANCE SIGN Health and Hygiene Products As part of the preparations for can supply lateral flow tests, the arrival of the future HS2 sanitiser, masks, gloves, anti- Interchange Station, construction Receptionist virucidal cleaner, hand towels, to remodel and improve the local completes Solihull toilet rolls, cleaning products road network is progressing well. College diploma and much more. HS2 is transforming Northway The company also provides Island into a new T-junction, which the Hygienia Touch cleaning New Birmingham Business Park “It’s great to be in the will form part of the remodelled service that provides six receptionist Emma Walk has office meeting and greeting network. To make way for the months protection for sites topped up her professional and getting to know BBP future T-junction, BBP waved and returning staff. skills with a customer services businesses,” explains Emma. goodbye to its existing entrance It is specifically designed diploma. “That is my favourite part of the sign off Northway Island in early to help companies remain Emma completed an NCFE job.” February 2021. During its 30-year ahead of the COVID-19 Level 2 Certificate Erica Spink, Park Manager, life, the sign had welcomed pandemic by making surfaces in Principles of said: “All of the team at BBP are tens of thousands impervious to bacteria and Customer Service, really pleased that Emma has of employees and viruses. Hygienia Touch is administered by gained her customer service countless esteemed Thank presented in the form of a Solihull College. certificate – it’s great to see a guests to the park. nanotechnology enabled / you! Her first few valued member of our team The improvements 86 Easter Eggs were anti-pathogen barrier coating. being incorporated donated to Age UK Solihull months in her achieve this in what has been a new role were challenging year. into the new road from BBP occupiers, n To take advantage split between “This qualification will be of network will make stakeholders and of the 10% offer visit home working great benefit to Emma in her our journeys to and Marston Green healthandhygieneproducts. and brief spells at role at BBP. As more employees from BBP smoother, safer Junior School. com and use voucher code the Park Management return to work over the coming and quicker. To mark the AKP9YV2B (until 31.05.2021). Offices due to the impact months, she will be able to put entrance to the park, a striking n Anyone wanting to of COVID-19. these new skills into practice new 12-metre sign, complete with set-up a credit account Emma got to grips with her in her role as receptionist – landscaping, has been installed. following this purchase then new job remotely and carried meeting and greeting our If you haven’t been to the park in please contact orders@ out admin duties from home visitors to the park and assisting a while, keep your eye out for the healthandhygieneproducts. before a return to the office. our valued occupiers.” new entrance sign on your return. com You’ll find it along the B4438!
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 3
COMMUNITYUR NEW DEVELOPMENT NEWS DIAMOND – 6700: THE FINAL PIECE OF THE BBP JIGSAW
Last undeveloped six-acre plot now being marketed as an exciting opportunity for a new occupier
Birmingham Business Park has traditionally been viewed as an office location, although over the years it has provided a home for a wider selection of users, in particular, engineering, research and development businesses, accounting for 44% of the land developed to date. Left: The BBP In 1994, Fujitsu constructed a purpose built landscape wins 116,000 sq ft facility on 10 acres at the entrance praise from occupiers who enjoy to the Park for its telecommunication services its outdoor spaces and technology and data storage. Rolls Royce identified the Park as a location for its new aero engine development and in found Birmingham Business Park to be superbly professional and responsive to all of our needs. 2017 bought 24 acres to build a new state- positioned with great links to the motorway We look forward to being an active part of the of-the-art 290,000 sq ft facility. Changan, network, adjacent hotels, Birmingham Birmingham Business Park community for many China’s third largest car manufacturer, bought Exhibition Centre, Birmingham International years to come.” Parkside and developed its own research and Airport and the prospect of the forthcoming The last undeveloped six-acre plot is development campus in 2016. HS2 Interchange, all of which making it an ideal now being marketed by the Park’s majority Sulzer Rotating Equipment Services recently location for our global business. owner, the BlackRock UK Property Fund, as moved into a customised 80,000 sq ft “The park is beautifully landscaped, secure an opportunity for further occupiers that engineering facility at the entrance to the and very well managed and the amenities for could benefit from the unique amenity and Park. In a recent testimonial, Chris Powles, employees are first class. With regular health experience the Park offers to employees. Head of RES UK, said: “Sulzer Rotating and wellbeing programmes, outdoor cinema While marketing Granite 40, the speculative Equipment Services relocated their 110 year and street food carts there is plenty on offer industrial development completed at the electromechanical rotating machinery business with the benefit of well-maintained gardens and end of last year, significant interest has been from Birmingham city centre to a purpose built woodland walks for our employees to enjoy. expressed by engineering, research and state of the art workshop and headquarters “The park management team lead by Liz development businesses and it is hoped this during Autumn 2020. Allister have been on hand to guide us with final piece of the jigsaw will attract some of “Since settling in to our new home, we have our move and we have found them to be very these occupiers.
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 6 COMMUNITYUR NEW DEVELOPMENT NEWS
‘THE PARK IS BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED, SECURE AND VERY WELL MANAGED AND THE AMENITIES FOR EMPLOYEES ARE FIRST CLASS’
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 7 COMMUNITYUR CYCLING AT BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS PARK E-BIKES COMING We are accredited with a All our BUKPF Plots and CORE ‘GOLD’ SOON! cycling score estate have We have Green Apple Birmingham Business Park is proud bike POOL BIKES Gold to hold a Cycling Score Gold racks and E Bikes Award-Winning accreditation for our work promoting Community cycling at BBP. Cycling Club The park has bike racks, maintenance facilities, led bike rides, pool bikes and will soon be introducing free-to-use e-bikes during spring 2021. The e-bikes will offer a great, environmentally-friendly way of getting around the park during the summer months. More details for the e-bikes will be shared soon. Please contact the Park Management Office – reception@birminghambusinesspark. co.uk for details on how to loan the www.birminghambusinesspark.co.uk bikes. For any queries please contact FREE [email protected] Bi Annual Led bike birminghambusinesspark Support with Three road cycling rides Birmingham Business Park races per YEAR in Dr Bike Active Travel conjunction with Maintenance to International @birmingham_bp plans for existing Train Station and new OCCUPIERS CHECK AND BIKE via Solihull Council UK British REPAIR STATION on shared footpath CyclinG active travel team
birminghambusinesspark birminghambusinesspark.co.uk Birmingham Business Park SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 8 [email protected] @birmingham_bp COMMUNITYUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
Left: St Anne’s pupils, twins Alfie and Alfie and Annabelle happily Annabelle, alongside undertook a litter-pick to test Lisa Bathurst, Year 1 out the new equipment Teacher and new Eco Co-ordinator following on from Miss Driver and Mr Slattery, school Site Manager and member of the Health & Safety Team school’s eco stars given £100 of garden vouchers
Birmingham Business Park ‘dug deep’ to provide a Pupils at St Anne’s local school with £100 of Catholic Primary gardening vouchers as part of the rewarded for their ‘WE HOPE BBP commitment to sustainability TO CONTINUE projects in the area. care for community WORKING IN St Anne’s Catholic Primary School in Chelmsley Wood was PARTNERSHIP WITH given the vouchers following the Sustainability Team at Solihull choice and help BBP THROUGH and continue the the successful completion of the Council. to continue SUSTAINABILITY foundations laid in school’s Level 1 Eco Sustainability Following several meetings and improve the INITIATIVES’ the previous year Award for the 2019-20 academic and communication between good work already from Miss Driver. year. the school’s ECO Leaders and put in by the ECO “We would like Schoolchildren were tasked pupils, the children held a vote on Team. to thank Birmingham with completing new projects how best to spend the vouchers. Daniel Linehan, deputy Business Park for their fantastic linked to the environment as part Following a successful litter head teacher at St Anne’s, support in sponsoring the award of the programme, which was picking campaign, the children said: “Despite the difficult and hope to continue working in led by Sinead Driver, school ECO felt that better, more robust litter circumstances linked to Covid-19, partnership with them through Leader with support from Sarah pickers with durable rings to hold plans have been put in place to sustainability initiatives in the near Lardner, Engagement Officer on waste bags would be the best undertake a large scale litter pick future.”
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 9 COMMUNITYUR OCCUPIER NEWS MEET THE FATBERG FIGHTERS! BBP-based team travelling the country to help manage waste Fatberg fighters ECAS (Environmental Compliance and they discharge into the sewers. ECAS environmental inspectors Services) moved into Things like using a sink strainer were working virtually with Birmingham Business Park in to catch food debris, or dry food businesses. They were October 2019 to accommodate wiping dirty pots into a bin also using their social channels their growing team. Since then, instead of rinsing them under a to educate home owners and despite the pandemic, tap. We also recommend what about the consequences of they’ve continued to help grease trapping equipment is flushing wipes amidst toilet roll they block the wastewater Main picture: prevent thousands of tonnes needed.” shortages. But now, many of the network, sometimes leading to William Maginn, of fats, oils, and grease (known Luke Mosley, ECAS does this work on behalf team have key worker status, sewer floods and environmental as FOG in the industry) from Michael Smaylen of UK water companies. Plus, and can make socially distanced pollution. Blockages also cost and Philip Soden entering sewers across the UK. overseas utility companies. They visits to commercial kitchens. ECAS work with food the water industry millions of also have a commercial division Philip added: “Our people businesses to make sure they pounds each year to sort out. Above: Julie that works with landlords travel the length and breadth Philip Soden, managing Phillips and dispose of their FOG and food Christina who manage properties like of the UK and Europe. So, BBP waste the right way. From director of ECAS, said: “An Pimenta shopping centres, business is such a great base for us. big food chains, to smaller average food takeaway can parks, and large office and retail And of course, because we’re independents. They also produce around 1,500-2,500 parks – providing a range of environmental enthusiasts, we educate residential communities litres of FOG each year. If environmental and safety audits, also like the green spaces it on what should and shouldn’t that’s allowed to escape including: kitchen ventilation, offers. As restrictions ease, it’ll go down sinks and toilets to down plugholes or drains, asbestos, legionella and noise be great to meet even more prevent fatbergs. the consequences can be control services. of the BBP tenants and take A fatberg is a solid mass in a devastating for communities Like all organisations, better advantage of what the sewer. It’s usually made up of and the environment. ECAS has been affected by community has to offer.” congealed grease and non- “We work with commercial the coronavirus pandemic. n For more information, please biodegradable sanitary items kitchens to make sure their Especially as many food outlets visit www.ecasworld.com or like wet wipes. Fatbergs often everyday practices reduce how haven’t been trading. When the follow ECAS on Twitter make the headlines because much FOG and food waste first lockdown happened, the @ECAS_World
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 10 COMMUNITYUR SULZER: A GREAT START TO 2021
through the addition state of Stunning new facility the art CNC machines. Outside now fully operational of the service centre, the field service engineers have been Sulzer has made a strong involved in a major hydrogenator start to life at their new refurbishment, managed out of state-of-the-art service Birmingham. centre on Birmingham Business Chris Powles, Head of RES UK, Park. said: “I’m pleased to say that There have been several we’ve made a solid start significant orders for the high to life in our new service voltage coil business, together centre, with a number of with an array motor and generator excellent projects well projects. The facility is now fully underway coupled with a operational, with all infrastructure, healthy pipeline of future plant and machinery installed and prospects. commissioned. “Despite the difficulties The first few weeks of the year around the pandemic, has seen multiple sets of high we have been able to voltage coils completed and welcome several of our shipped to several international key customers from critical and domestic customers. The first industries into the new turbo rotor arrived into the service service centre and have centre, which specialises in the re-established relationships repairs and overhauls of high with previously lapsed voltage motors and generators. customers.” A key feature of the state-of- Plans for an official the-art facility is the high-speed opening of the Birmingham balancing pit, which allows service centre were placed Sulzer to offer balancing services on hold due to the pandemic. to turbo rotors up to fifty tons. However, as the UK begins the Following the relocation of the journey towards lifting lockdown plant and machinery from the measures plans for the opening previous facility to the new site, ceremony will reconvene. More Sulzer has now further upgraded details will follow in the coming the machine shop capabilities months.
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 11 COMMUNITYUR OCCUPIER NEWS
Picture inside the Quadient offices taken before coronavirus lockdown
than matched by the growth in parcel delivery. In fact, Royal Mail estimated parcel volumes increased by 31% last year with this number expected to grow. Many employees have online purchases delivered to the office with a view that mailroom or reception staff will take responsibility for it. However, these staff do not always have the infrastructure required to securely process, store and distribute the volume they are receiving or can QUADIENT SUPPORTING SAFE expect to receive once normality returns. The incidence of package loss and theft is only increasing with RETURN TO the WORKPLACE the number of parcel deliveries. The parcel lockers can be used by couriers to drop off and collect Quadient has been a items are handed between staff. items such as online orders, Brennan Standell, dry-cleaning and food deliveries, member of Birmingham Fluctuating numbers of staff instantly notifying the recipient to Business Park for 20 years, Commercial Director for and contrasting schedules collect at their convenience. This and as an international company Parcel Locker Solutions, can make it difficult to fulfil the takes the burden off mailroom staff we love its ideal location with handover of high-value items UK and Ireland, reflects by reducing the risk of loss or theft Birmingham Airport, multiple interdepartmentally such as on the company’s and eliminating the lengthy process motorways and railway stations laptops or sensitive documents. return-to-office strategy of receiving, logging, storing, close by. By creating a hub to deliver into, tracking and distributing packages. Like many businesses, at the start this keeps items secure until they How do parcel lockers work? of this pandemic Quadient had are ready to be collected and The recipient receives an to adjust quickly to working from eliminates physical contact. electronic notification when their home. Over a year later we are safeguard your staff and increase Quadient parcel lockers also help item is placed into a locker and eager to get back to BBP for face- employee satisfaction. We can to reduce operational costs and with it, a PIN/barcode that they use to-face meetings, water-cooler help your business processes to time spent managing packages to access and retrieve their goods. chats and for some employees – a work for all your employees – by mailroom or reception staff. Until the employee collects their bit of peace and quiet! giving office and remote workers With businesses increasingly item it is kept secure. Quadient are here to support equal ability to send mail and moving from paper to digital n To find out more about businesses within BBP and beyond access documents from anywhere. communications, you would think Quadient solutions or with their return-to-office strategy And our smart parcel lockers can that the workload for mail staff recommendations for your with a range of digital solutions act as a hub, removing 100% of was decreasing. However, the return-to-work strategy, visit that help to improve efficiency, manual interactions where physical decline in mail has been more www.quadient.com
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 12 COMMUNITYUR
£18,000
GRANTS NEW TECH COURSES DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN Open Study College has launched a range FOR STAFF of new tech-focussed online courses specifically designed for children aged nine to 17. Open Study College’s new courses cover topics such as game design, coding, TRAINING digital design and music production. From engaging starter courses to get younger children aged 9-12 to create and make, to senior courses for the more advanced from 13-17, the courses aim to set children up with invaluable skills for their future careers, Open Study as well creating a portfolio of project work College working they can use in support of a university application. with Council to The courses are studied at a child’s own support local pace, over a five-week period, with live skills drive tutor support and group sessions via Zoom, alongside forums from experts in tech. Head of Education and Development, Robbie Bryant, commented: “We’re so excited to deliver a range of brilliant courses to challenge and improve young Birmingham Business Park-based Open finance, leadership and management as well as minds for the first time. Study College is encouraging eligible childcare, A Levels and GCSEs. “These courses can support school Midlands businesses to apply for a grant As a long-established distance learning subjects like IT or computer science, or of up to £18,000, for staff training to upskill and college, Open Study College is able to provide simply be a way to pass the time and learn develop their workforce. employees with the skills and qualifications they more about a hobby. As a selected supplier, distance learning need without the impact on their working day “Although they are not curriculum-based, provider Open Study College is working in of requiring to attend a physical college. The the courses are creative and engaging partnership with Birmingham City Council on its flexibility that the courses offer allows learners to and will build upon vital skills needed for Supplier Skills Programme, which offers funding complete their studies at their own pace and in confidence building and spark creativity. from £500 to a maximum of £18,000 per SME, of line with Covid guidelines. “We’re hoping that by studying a course which 50% will be funded by the SME and 50% n To find out more about the criteria and with us it could help propel a child’s hobby by the European Social Fund grant. The scheme to register your interest, visit https://www. into a future career.” covers a wide range of courses from basic openstudycollege.com/supplier-skills- n To find out more visit www. to level 7, including project management, HR, programme openstudycollege.com/courses-for-kids
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 13 COMMUNITYUR OCCUPIER NEWS minebea intec expands uk manufacturing operations
Surge in demand from food, pharma and chemical industries
Weighing and inspection equipment firm Minebea Intec has expanded its UK operations and is now manufacturing from its UK and Ireland headquarters based on Birmingham Business Park. Minebea Intec has expanded the current premises at The Crescent to facilitate the production of UK-built equipment supplied to the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Initially equipment will be produced for the UK and Ireland markets followed by export to Germany, France and then later in the year to Italy and Spain. The company also plans to export the equipment ‘MINEBEA to other global markets. INTEC’S Colin Maher, country manager EXPANSION IN for the UK, Ireland and Russia, THE BOROUGH said: “Many months of planning CONFIRMS THE AREA have gone into this and it was only due to our successful track IS A PRIME LOCATION record that the board of directors FOR INNOVATIVE Cllr Ian Courts, leader of and clients. Covid-19 hasn’t changed everything; agreed without hesitancy. BUSINESSES’ Solihull Metropolitan Borough for businesses looking to expand, the basics are “We have shown through organic Council, added: “Minebea still important. growth what we can do in the UK Intec’s expansion to the borough “Access to new talent, local business and Ireland and this now gives us a real confirms that the area is a prime ecosystems, R&D capabilities, transportation opportunity to take our growth to the next level. location for international and innovative linkages, and access to a global market will “It also brings a new level of competitiveness businesses. remain central parts of every expansion decision. and security for our customer in the face “Solihull provides businesses with a prestigious “The borough has a proven track record in of Brexit and while other companies are working environment and an excellent location, developing businesses and helping them to downsizing their operations.” at the heart of the country, to reach customers grow and expand.”
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 14 COMMUNITYUR
Global telematics provider solvING customers’ new challenges
Richard Adams, Sales Director The last 12 months have been challenging and online chats as our main forms of communication. Additionally, for everyone. With we keep everyone motivated strategic decision- through internal communications that highlight staycations, recipes, making and clear lines competitions and lots of other useful updates. of communication, “As a team, we upped our game the MiX Telematics and pushed forward with some innovative ideas to keep the team has completed business going and protect jobs. successful projects We’ve recruited eight talented new members who operate in different areas of the team. “We were able to achieve our MiX Telematics is a leading business outcomes using a sound global provider of fleet and risk management approach, mobile asset management revising processes and putting a solutions, delivered as SaaS, to business continuity plan in place.” 750,000 global subscribers in more “In the coming months, we than 120 countries. anticipate seeing all of the positive The company provides solutions changes we’ve implemented so to improve the efficiency, safety, far come to fruition and lead us compliance and security within same benefits from our software our systems to ensure continuous to being comfortable with and fleets of all sizes. Despite the solutions as before,” said Richard visibility of drivers and vehicles, successful within the new normal challenges that the pandemic Adams, Sales Director at MiX and to place the focus on risk and hopefully, after June 21st, the created, MiX Telematics Europe Telematics Europe. reduction and driver safety. We world will start spinning faster once have continued to offer support to “Our team has been working are very proud of our whole team again, and we can return to our their customers throughout. from home and focusing on and their selfless attitude to looking offices,“ added Sonia Dixon, HR “We have a number of clients providing online support to our after our customers’ needs. Manager at MiX Europe. that have been directly affected clients all the way through without “During these unprecedented n If you want to track your by the pandemic. We have disruption. We have hosted times, working from home has vehicles’ movements and been delighted to support our many online training and support presented new challenges activities while also increasing customers in a number of ways sessions for customers. Many of for many of us. We shifted to your fleet safety, contact us: during this time to ensure they our customers provide essential conducting daily meetings online [email protected] or still continue to receive the services. They have been using using Zoom and Teams with emails visit www.mixtelematics.co.uk
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 15 COMMUNITYUR OCCUPIER NEWS CIRCYL KEEN TO COLLABORATE with bbp neighbours
MD who believes ‘in keeping things local’ is aiming to work with fellow Park occupiers
The managing director of a ‘straight talking’ technology company has explained how he would like to collaborate with neighbours at Birmingham Business Park. Based in the UBC Building located at 1310 Solihull Parkway, Circyl are experts in information management, data and analytics. The company opened a BBP office in the summer of 2019 and decisions can be made. All very useful given the also has an office in Tamworth. current challenges we face. Building ‘business focused applications’ is “Some of the products that we are specialists in part of the Circyl DNA and something the team working with are Office 365 – SharePoint, Teams, has been successfully done across a range of Power Apps, Power BI and Dynamics CRM.” industries for many years, explains MD Jason A firm believer in keeping business local, Jason Betteridge. takes pride in working from the Business Park – a “We strive to understand your company location that generates warm memories from ambition and work tirelessly to develop an throughout his working life. effective strategy,” says Jason. “Birmingham Business Park has such an “We are a straight talking technology company enviable list of fantastic companies located specialising in business productivity and here. I am a strong believer in keeping business analytics utilising the Microsoft platform. So what local if possible and I am sure there are many does that mean? We help businesses find the companies on the park we could help, they just information and documents they need so that need to know how to find us. they can work on them from anywhere on any “We love the Business Park and the facilities and device. I have fond memories of being here 30 years “We bring together data from separate systems ago when I took my first job working for a bank around their business to enable them to get based at 1700 – uncanny that I look across the answers to questions so that informed business water to that building from my desk today!” Jason Betteridge
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 16 COMMUNITYUR NEW DEVELOPMENT NEWS
‘L&G AND CANMOOR ARE DELIGHTED TO LAUNCH THIS NEW SPECULATIVELY CONSTRUCTED FOUR-UNIT DEVELOPMENT’ RADIAL
Radial Park, Plot lifestyle and environmental RADIAL PARK, PLOT PARK, PLOT 7000 is a new initiatives – adding value to 7000 BENEFITS FROM warehouse/industrial the environment and work THE FOLLOWING development designed place. SPECIFICATION: to a high specification on Tom Hughes of Canmoor n 4 high-quality units from 7000 NOW Birmingham Business Park. comments: “L&G and 18,287 – 57,082 sq ft Situated on the west side Canmoor are delighted n Well specified two-storey of the Business Park, the to launch this new offices development is close to speculatively constructed n 5MVA power available to site AVAILABLE Birmingham Airport, the four-unit development, n Major new arterial access off NEC and the M42. where there is currently Bickenhill Parkway Radial Park, Plot 7000 a lack of supply of good n Established business park neighbours over 150 quality warehouse/ location BBP companies with a industrial product in the n 1.4 miles to J4 of the M6 wide range of amenities, market.” n 3 miles to J6 of the M42
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 17 COMMUNITYUR PARK LIFE CHARITY NEWS DONNA STOKES British Heart Foundation Fundraising Manager (Birmingham and Solihull) HOW to ACCESS TELL US ABOUT HOW’S LIFE AT YOUR BUSINESS THE PARK? The British Heart Foundation BHF SERVICES Our Customer Service Centre celebrates our 60th Birthday (CSC) is based at BBP and this year and we are extremely handles emails, post and Getting help if you or your family have a heart proud that our research has telephone calls from supporters condition, or just want to keep your family healthy powered breakthroughs and volunteers across the such as pacemakers, statins, country. Life at the BBP is still a At a time when the NHS is under enormous stents and even the first heart refreshing novelty to us as it’s pressure, more people are turning to the British transplant. We’ve come a long the best offices and working Heart Foundation (BHF) for support. way but remain focussed on environment our staff have ever The charity’s award-winning free Heart Matters finding cures and developing had. We are looking forward to magazine contains up to date treatments for heart and a time when our vibrant team information, inspiration and support circulatory diseases, including can all work together again and for people living with heart and stroke and vascular dementia. get to know our neighbours circulatory conditions, including Locally, there are over better. addressing concerns about 118,000 people in Birmingham coronavirus. and Solihull living with heart Read it online or sign up and circulatory conditions. YOUR MESSAGE via https://www.bhf.org.uk/ In Birmingham, we currently informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine to fund 30 different research TO A COMPANY automatically receive your online copy. It even includes projects, looking at improving THINKING OF recipes and tips for staying healthy and treatments such as congenital MOVING preventing health problems. heart diseases, blood clots and Heart patients and their families can also abnormal heart rhythms. HERE? receive advice from specialist cardiac nurses It’s a great place through the BHF’s Heart Helpline (Tel: 0300 WHAT DO YOU DO? to work with 330 3311 weekdays 9.00am to 5.00pm). Whether it’s talking about medication and As a charity, we do not receive something for their side effects or understanding test results, government funding and rely everyone. The there ar are here to help. on support from individuals environment “As a charity, the BHF relies on support from and businesses to volunteer, and transport individuals and companies. Unfortunately, our donate or raise funds for us. links help to keep income has been devastated by the Covid-19 My role is to engage with existing staff pandemic, and we have had to cut our the community, encouraging happy and make funding of new life saving research in half,” people and businesses to it easier to attract explains a spokesperson. support the charity. This involves new recruits. BBP “However, we will continue funding raising awareness about our is well established, research to find cures and improve work, supporting our volunteers, extremely well treatments for heart diseases (including ensuring people know how managed and stroke and vascular dementia) and providing to access our services and progressive with support to heart patients and their families. combining health and wellbeing community activities Further information about all our services activities with fundraising and a warm friendly can be found at www.bhf.org.uk” activities. culture.
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 18 COMMUNITYUR A further CHARITY NEWS £2,048 £479 DONATED BY BIRMINGHAM £350 BUSINESS PARK through pledged for raised from sponsorship of other events three more run both by Online Quiz BBP and Age UK Quiz Nights Nights in 2021 Solihull DONATIONS 30 BOXES OF 56 CHOCOLATES AT jars of BBP honey CHRISTMAS Age UK Solihull has been donated to Age UK 86 easter eggs Birmingham Business Park’s charity partner Solihull’s clients 70 poinsettias from 2019 until the end of 2021. The partnership has helped raise the charity’s profile with businesses food bank 2 based on BBP, and many throughout of them have made 2019/20 to allotments donations and supported donate food fundraising events. and essentials dedicated for the We’re proud to have to age uk charity’s clients to use helped out... solihull
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 19 COMMUNITYUR LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE SCHEMES
High Speed Two (HS2) LM completed the first is the new high speed stage of these network railway for Britain. improvements by safely HS2: ALL THE LATEST When fully operational, nearly installing four highways half of the UK population will bridges in 2020. So far this be linked to 25 existing and year, LM has successfully new HS2 stations. HS2 will connected some parts of provide reliable connections, the existing network to the NEWS FROM THE and more comfortable new routes that have been and faster journeys, giving created, and installed new people more choice about pedestrian footpaths, kerb where they live and work. By lines and central reservations releasing space on existing in the area. INTERCHANGE AREA railway routes, HS2 will create In 2021, traffic measures will more capacity for additional remain in place on and around What to expect near Birmingham Business Park in 2021 commuter and freight Northway Island, including the services, and, in turn, improve B4438 and A452, west of the air quality and reduce carbon M42. This will enable LM to emissions. HS2 will also continue to connect parts of generate a huge boost to the existing network to new jobs, homes and growth in routes, and begin to create the cities and communities it a new T-junction. During this services. Find out more about programme, access to and HS2 at: www.hs2.org.uk from the park will always be Early works for HS2 are maintained either via Progress being carried out by Laing Way off the B4438, or off O’Rourke and J. Murphy & Northway Island. Sons, known as LM, and From mid-2021, BBV will main works are being begin preparations to remodel carried out by Balfour Beatty and improve the remainder VINCI, known as BBV. Near of the network east of the HS2 teamed up with BBP to Birmingham Business Park M42. This work will be mainly support the Around Again charity (BBP), HS2 is working around concentrated on HS2 land. the A452, A45 and M42, which Upon completion, a new surround the site of the future T-junction will replace Based in North Solihull, the Around Again charity tackles HS2 Interchange Station. Northway Island, where BBP and food poverty by bridging the gap between high street This area is referred to as the access to and from the park supermarkets and food banks. In 2020, BBP co-ordinated HS2 join Interchange area. will remain. A ‘longabout’ several successful park-wide collections to gather vital will also replace a smaller forces for donations to keep Around Again well-stocked. roundabout outside the HS2 and its contractors working in the Interchange WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2021 local charity To ensure that the local road Holiday Inn Express NEC, en area teamed up with BBP to boost their Christmas network is fit for purpose route to the National Exhibition 2020 collection for the charity. HS2, LM, BBV and the when Interchange Station is Centre (NEC). In the future, you Interchange area’s traffic management contractor, Traffix, operational, LM will continue will be able to safely access collected approximately £500 worth of food, toiletries, to remodel and improve the all routes and businesses east household essentials and baby products. To bring a little existing network and create of the motorway by using Christmas cheer to those using the social supermarket, new routes on HS2 land in HS2’s highways bridge over HS2 also donated advent calendars and cuddly toys. 2021. the M42.
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 20 COMMUNITYUR
An artist’s impression of the future HS2 Interchange Station Image courtesy HS2
STAY UP TO DATE WITH HS2’S WORKS Sign up for news updates about i HS2 in Solihull at www.hs2insolihull.co.uk, including information on traffic measures, online events, community and business funding, and station development. Do you have a question about HS2? You can get in touch with HS2 via the Helpdesk team on: 08081 434 434 [email protected]
This schedule is subject to change depending on site and weather conditions, and HS2 will keep you informed of any adjustments at: www.hs2insolihull.co.uk
HS2 LAUNCHES INTERACTIVE MAP HS2 has launched a user-friendly interactive map to make it easier and simpler to keep up to date on current and upcoming works that are being carried out in the Interchange area. The map outlines: n the location and planned duration of the works n which contractor is delivering the works n what kind of activity they are doing Access the map at: An artist’s impression of the future road network in the Interchange area Image courtesy LM www.hs2.org.uk/in-your-area/ map
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 21 COMMUNITYUR LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE SCHEMES
‘WE HOLD REGULAR VIRTUAL DROP IN SESSIONS WITH BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS PARK CLIENTS TO PROVIDE THE LATEST UPDATES AND ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS’
M42 J6 CONSTRUCTION WORK
JANUARY 2021 – AUGUST 2021 n Diversion of key underground utilities. n Major excavation in private land off the network for the new link road. n Vegetation clearance and moving of soil on site. n Warwickshire Gaelic Athletic Association (WGAA) pitch realignment work (subject to a successful planning application m42 j6 upgrades to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council). AUGUST 2021 – JANUARY 2022 n Utility diversions. making progress n Construction of the A45 footbridge and the Solihull road bridge away from out network to minimise the impact of the road network and the community. Work is well underway on the with our key stakeholders to provide n Construction of a new underpass and the widening of £282 million M42 junction 6 timely progress updates, answer clock interchange. improvement scheme. your questions and deliver advance Skanska Mott Macdonald (SMM) notifications of our traffic management FEBRUARY 2022 - AUGUST 2023 are the regional delivery partners to allow you to plan your journey. We n Demolition of Solihull Road bridge and the installation of the (RDP) delivering the scheme on hold regular virtual drop in sessions new bridges. behalf of Highways England. Phase 1 with Birmingham Business Park clients n Construction of new Junction 5a slip roads. of the scheme is now complete with to provide the latest updates and n Gantry installations work, which began in March 2020 answers your questions so please and included ground investigations, check with reception for details on the AUGUST 2023 - AUGUST 2024 construction of the main site next session.” n Completion of the southbound off slip roads at Junction 5a. compound near Clock Lane, and You can find out more project n Construction of the free flow links at Junction 6. some work to allow detailed design to information and sign up for updates be finalised. by visiting: highwaysengland.co.uk/ Please note that all timings are A spokesperson said: “The M42 team our-work/west-midlands/m42- approximate and are subject to change. are committed to working closely junction-6/
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 22 COMMUNITYUR funds IN PLACE FOR NEW
The current TRAFFIC-EASING MEASURES roundabout will be elongated to form a ‘longabout’ as part of HS2’s local highways scheme forms part of work, while the UGC intervention wider plans to support will create an additional growth in the area northbound cut- through The Urban Growth Company (UGC) is continuing to progress its ambitious plans for the UK Central Hub in Solihull delivering cost savings and future- road, rail and air connectivity. Our an important commuter corridor after securing an additional £460,000 proofing the area for continuing approach to future-proof The Hub with its close proximity to the NEC of match funding from the Greater development. alsocreatesthe confidence needed and Birmingham Airport. Birmingham and Solihull Local The UGC-led scheme will to attract future investment that will “Furthermore, with the Enterprise Partnership’s (GBSLEP) create a cut-through that allows enable the major economic boost development of HS2 and the Local Growth Fund to help improve traffic travelling north to continue we plan to deliver in terms of jobs new Interchange Station, there a key traffic roundabout. straight-on without having to and homes. is great potential for economic The funding – alongside the £2.1 enterthe roundabout. The aim is “It’s also important that we development in the area. We million previously awarded by the to ease traffic leaving the NEC at look to a post-Covid future and continue to work with our partners West Midlands Combined Authority Northway (the arm after the A452) ensure that our infrastructure in the public and private sectors to in 2019 – will be used to design an and prevent it backing up on the supports the recovery of the create opportunities for inclusive additional traffic-easing measure to A452. major stakeholders across The economic growth as we look a roundabout currently located at Sue Barrett, Commercial & Hub – the NEC and Birmingham towards a post-Covid recovery.” the edge of the NEC campus. The Contracts Director at the UGC, Airport will be looking to ramp up Councillor Ian Courts, Leader introduction of a new cut-through said: “We are delighted to have their businesses again as soon as of Solihull Council, said: will ease current traffic flow and received this funding boost possible and this sort of project “Congratulations to the UGC and ensure that existing infrastructure from the LEP which is about so will help them to do that.” our transport team for securing the is able to support future planned much more than a change to a Michael Steventon, non-executive funds as well as coming up with a growth associated with the arrival roundabout design. board director at GBSLEP, said: solution to this complex project. of HS2 and the new development at “Smaller, individual improvement “Investing in infrastructure is an “Working with UGC and other the nearby Arden Cross site. schemes like this make significant integral part of our work as it partners, we will continue to The roundabout improvement contributions to our broader, opens up access to businesses, maximise the economic benefit scheme – scheduled to be strategic vision for The Hub. workers, visitors and people living of HS2 coming to Solihull. This completed by June 2022 – is pre- They serve as critical enablers in the area. The longabout project funding will mean we can ensure emptive in anticipation of planned for growth by ensuring the area will ensure traffic will keep flowing easy access to The Hub and growth, minimising disruption, continues to enjoy unrivalled though Solihull and Birmingham – improved traffic flow in the area.”
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