BID renewal: Chairman on why yes vote is best EditFREE • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 BALLOT LATEST: PAGES 3,4 & 5

The sky’s the limit Stunning Britain from the Air photography exhibition delights city centre visitors PAGE 2 Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Edit magazine is brought to you by FROM THE EDITOR Like great architecture, public art is an essential ingredient for an aspirational Retail is the Business city centre aiming to attract shoppers, tourists and new businesses. Improvement District (BID) for Art provides individuality, identity and colour to city streets, while provoking lively Birmingham city centre’s retail area and has been supporting its debate about its appearance or meaning. members since 2007, promoting, So it is encouraging to see ‘Birmingham Figure’ on John Bright Street, a sculpture enhancing and developing the passed daily by thousands who might never offer it a second glance, given shopping and leisure experience professional conservation treatment to make it look as bright and bold as when it was in the city centre. first unveiled in 1987 and in doing so bringing it to people’s attention. While the retail environment is forever changing with the We’ve spoken to the conservation expert behind the work for this bumper edition of Edit, along challenge of shopping online, with several department store and centre managers about their aspirations for their businesses and the Retail BID firmly believes Birmingham. It makes for interesting analysis. in supporting the shopping We’ve also taken a look at The Big Sleuth; the exciting follow-up to The Big Hoot, one of the most experience delivered by retailers successful city centre art and charity projects in recent years. in the city centre, maintaining Birmingham’s position as the This is a critical period for Retail BID as it aims to secure your vote for its third term serving the city regional capital for shopping. centre between 2017-2022. Take a look at Jonathan Cheetham’s interview across the page to understand why now more than Retail BID Manager ever Retail BID is vital as a strategic voice for Birmingham city centre. Steve Hewlett [email protected] Deputy BID Manager Stacey Barnfield Assia Sohaib [email protected] Business Support Officer Paul Barnett [email protected] FROM RETAIL BIRMINGHAM Office: Suite 103, Cheltenham House, As we now head towards the Autumn, the next couple of months are critical for the Temple Street, Birmingham B2 5BG retail area in Birmingham city centre. From 19th September to 27th October we will be Call 0121 643 3896 Visit www.retailbirmingham.co.uk asking you, our members, to vote for a third term of the Retail BID until 2022. www.shoppinginbirmingham.com The BID3 business plan will be distributed soon and it is more important than ever Twitter @ShoppinginBham that you vote ‘yes’ to enable the Retail BID to continue to represent your interests and to Facebook ShoppingInBirmingham Instagram ShoppinginBham protect, promote and further enhance the city centre retail area. Birmingham is going places at a tremendous rate, we all know of people who come Edit magazine is published by here for the first time or have not been here for a long while and are truly surprised and amazed at what they find. Our aim is to continue to achieve this and to attract more customers and provide an enjoyable Birmingham experience. We are all immensely proud of the city centre we have today, which will get even better in the coming years and by voting ‘yes’ for a third BID term you can help make this happen. The latest edition of Edit is our biggest yet which really demonstrates the fantastic people and businesses we have in the area. www.edwinelliscreativemedia.com As always, myself and the team are here to support you, so please do get in touch. For more information, or for article suggestions please email [email protected] Steve Hewlett, Retail BID manager

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publisher takes no responsibility for ‘There’s a buzz about Birmingham now that is as strong as the accuracy of statements or content, and can accept no liability for errors, omissions or any inconvenience. Please when the Bullring was opened. You can feel it.’ check latest details with host venues if travelling to events. House of Fraser Store Manager Parminder Sahota – Pages 12/13 Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 3

RETAIL BID BIRMINGHAM – THE NEXT FIVE YEARS: VOTE YES THIS SEPTEMBER

Chairman Jonathan Cheetham talks about the need for the consistent city centre strategy the BID can provide

The Chairman of Retail Birmingham has made a direct plea to city centre busi- nesses to support the BID’s ambition to secure a third term. Jonathan Cheetham spoke to Edit Maga- zine just weeks before member businesses are given the option to vote on whether Back the the BID is given a new term between 2017- 2022. The BID business plan for the next five years follows three themes. The first is delivering the ‘The Birming- BID, says ham Welcome’ with a safe, attractive and accessible city centre. The second is to continue ‘Business Support and Growth’, representing and networking members for their benefit. Chairman The third is to develop the ‘Birmingham Experience’, taking in projects such as reimagining New Street. “It’s quite a simple belief, but quite a dif- ‘I urge all “The BID helps to play a part in that.” “In recent years the BID has fought for ficult task. And for that, you need a consis- Jonathan is excited by the huge opportu- improvements throughout the city with tent approach, because that provides the businesses nities presented by reimagining New Street success,” said Jonathan, General Manager right environment for businesses to thrive.” to read as a major thoroughfare; a key strand of the of Grand Central. Jonathan has been at the heart of BID’s proposed new term. “It is more important than ever this work Birmingham’s retail scene since the late the BID’s “What excites me most? The massive op- continues and is carried out by a body that 1990s, leading regeneration projects and Business Plan portunities we haven’t touched,” he said. represents the city centre. managing shopping centres, and takes and proposal “New Street has been left unloved while “This city centre is hugely important and pride in the continued growth in tourism we’ve carried out this major redevelopment influential on the suburbs and throughout visitor numbers. and vote of Bullring back in 2003, and then Grand the UK and we are a truly international city. “We have gone from being a very visited positively’ Central. This is the core of it, and if that core is not city, to one of the most visited cities and – Jonathan “It’s important the BID gets a third term to right nothing else is going to be.” the reason for that is the comprehensive work on this and think strategically. Jonathan described the massive redevel- mix that makes this city a great experience Cheetham “All the things the BID delivers are mea- opment of New Street station and Grand for visitors, businesses and consumers,” sureable and we want to maintain that Central as part of a mix that makes a city said Jonathan. impact with the city council. great but believes there is still much to be “Whether it be music, theatre, art, we’ve “We need that influence on behalf of our done. got the lot. businesses. We want to be a force that is “The job of the BID is to get involved “We’re most visited because we’re in- hugely beneficial for the city and we want heavily in the strategy of the city, which it credibly accessible, and we’re moving. to work with it. has always done since its inception,” he “People are realising what a great place “I urge all businesses to read the BID’s Busi- added. this is. We need to defend, protect and en- ness Plan and proposal and vote positively.” “The BID is about making the city centre a hance that. We’ve got to drive this youthful, n Over the page: Why the city centre better place to live, to work and to play. energetic, international city. needs a BID to work with retailers. PAGE 4 Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

RETAIL BID BIRMINGHAM – THE NEXT FIVE YEARS: VOTE YES THIS SEPTEMBER Why do we need a BID? WITH RETAIL BID... WITHOUT n You will remain part of the city centre RETAIL BID... business community, which has been n The city centre loses £450,000 invest- operating on your behalf since 2007 ment each year for projects chosen by n You will benefit from £2.5 million in- businesses. Because of this, we would lose: vested in additional services over the next n ShoppinginBirmingham.com, the BID- five years, including: developed and managed online website n Promotional and advertising cam- and social media account for shoppers paigns to attract high-value shoppers to planning their day in Birmingham our bars, shops, restaurants and service n The city centre Shopping Map, a businesses hugely popular shopper product n Major, city-leading investment in n Christmas lights on Cannon Street, Christmas regional campaigns Corporation Street, and parts of High n Deep cleaning and chewing gum Street and New Street removal to ensure the city centre looks its n Dedicated events and promotional ac- best tivity for businesses large and small, such n Investing in shoppinginbirmingham. as ‘Found’ and ‘Style Birmingham Live’ com, the online visitor resource with over n Deep cleaning and gum removal from 12,000 unique hits each month that’s free pavements to BID members n Flowers and floral features n Fewer ‘chuggers’ operating in the BID n Access to community schemes such thanks to Retail BID’s work to gain support as the Retail Crime radios purchased by for controls, and our future role in monitor- Retail BID ing numbers n No more ‘go to’ support to help ad- n Tackling antisocial behavior, business dress business issues and offer proactive crime and rough sleeping in partnership local management, or update text mes- with Birmingham City Council and West sage system to alert local managers and Midlands Police owners to opportunities and issues as they n On hand support to guide your emerge in the city centre business through tricky times – Retail BID n The common voice of business disap- helped members access almost £1 million pears, making it tougher to represent your in support funding during the building of views to the Council, Network Rail and Grand Central and the Midland Metro, and Centro, for example, and during a period to compensate for the removal of buses when a further £250 million of public sec- from Bull Street and Corporation Street tor savings needs to be found Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 5 What to look out for during the vote process

A sample version of the ballot form

Between Monday 19th September Secretary of State for Communities and 2016 and Thursday 27th October 2016, Local Government in March 2016. eligible ratepayers will be given the All eligible businesses with a rateable opportunity to vote on the proposal for value of £10,000 or more will be eligible the renewal of the Retail Birmingham to vote if they are listed as a non-do- BID for a further five years. mestic ratepayer within the proposed The confidential postal ballot will be BID area on the date the Notice of Ballot conducted in line with the BID Regula- is published. Each property (heredita- tions by Independent Scrutineer Elec- ment) subject to the BID will be entitled toral Reform Services (ERS) on behalf of to one vote. Businesses that occupy Birmingham City Council. more than one hereditament will be The Retail BID served its required entitled to one vote per hereditament. ‘Notification of Intention to Submit a BID The ballot result will be declared on The front cover Proposal for Balloting Purposes’ to the Friday 28th October 2016. of Retail BID’s Business Plan Ballot papers must be received by the Independent for the next five years Scrutineer, Electoral Reform Services by no later than 5PM ON THURSDAY 27TH OCTOBER 2016. PAGE 6 Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 BID’s brilliant new Found guide hot off the presses Unique celebration of city’s independent businesses supported by high-visibility marketing campaign

The ‘Found’ guide to Birming- ham’s independent businesses was released last month and supported by a city-wide awareness campaign. More than 20 illustrators, artists and photographers were com- missioned to take part in the Found project; each capturing the city’s independent retailers in their own unique way. The A5 guide is being sup- ported with a digital and online campaign. Found has also been pro- moted by advertisements in popular online publisher I Choose Birmingham and Sixty Nine Magazine along with news coverage in Birmingham Living magazine. Piccadilly and Great West- ern Arcades were adorned The Found with flags, banners and floor guide was graphics to help raise aware- supported ness of the guide, which has a with graphics print-run of 5,000. Partnerships and banners with Independent Birmingham on Piccadilly and Great and Colmore BID also helped Western promotion. Arcades Assia Sohaib, Deputy BID Man- ager, described Found as the ‘must-have’ guide for shoppers. “The guide will be a boost to a sector that is a really impor- ‘The guide will be a boost to a sector that is a really important tant part of the Retail BID,” she added. part of the Retail BID’ – Assia Sohaib, Deputy Manager Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 7

The new £5 note is made of water-resistant polymer

BIKE FEST 2016 ROAD CLOSURES WARNING City centre businesses are being warned about road clo- sures as part of a one-day Bike Festival that will take place in Victoria Square in September. The festival, part of the city council’s Birmingham Cycle Revolution initiative, takes place on Sunday 18th Septem- ber between 9am-4pm. The event is open to the gen- eral public and is free to enter. Members of the public will be able to enjoy watching bike en- tertainment such as the action sports tour show and Street Velodrome as well as taking part in have-a-go sessions such City retailers alerted as Street Velodrome, Flatland BMX & strider. In addition there will be a fully closed-road 2km family ride taking place on the roads to ‘The New Fiver’ around Victoria Square. The family ride will be open to Polymer plastic Retail BID member businesses are be- years. The old £5 goes out of circulation members of the public of all in May 2017. ages and is free to enter. The bank note in ing urged to take note of ‘The New Fiver’ route opens at 9am and closes when it goes into circulation this autumn. If, after May 2017, retailers find that they at 3.30pm. circulation The new £5 banknote is a thin, flexible still have old £5 notes they can exchange The route will start and finish in September plastic called polymer and has a number them at the Bank of England. at Victoria Square with the of security features that make it even The new £5 note will feature Winston following roads closed to harder to counterfeit. These include a see- Churchill, one of the greatest statesmen of vehicles; Temple Row, Bull St, through window and foil Elizabeth Tower, all time and the only Prime Minister to win Moor St Queensway, The Priory which is gold on the front of the note and the Nobel Prize for literature. Queensway, Colmore Circus silver on the back. Bank of England staff held a special Queensway and Colmore Row. Each new polymer note is expected to roadshow at New Street Station to explain Pedestrian access will be last at least 2.5 times longer than the cur- more about the new note, with leaflets maintained through the use of rent paper notes, making them better for and guides for businesses to take away. multiple pedestrian crossings (with stewards) along the route. the environment. This is because polymer The Bank of England’s Banknote Educa- Food and soft drink stalls will is stronger than paper so the notes can tion Team is also meeting with retailers be present; however, no alco- better withstand being repeatedly folded across the UK to talk about the New Fiver. hol will be sold at the event, into wallets or scrunched up into pockets. Details of these events can be found at which is aimed at families, The new £5 goes into circulation on thenewfiver.co.uk children and cyclists. September 13th and is the first of the Bank Businesses can also download the ‘Bank For more information and to of England’s new series of polymer notes, of England Banknotes’ app, which is an see what’s on visit birmingham- with the £10 and £20 notes to be replaced interactive touch screen guide aimed at bikefest.com/ with polymer designs over the coming people who frequently use banknotes. PAGE 8 Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 TheThe BigBig SleuthSleuth is on its way to city

The most recent Birmingham Shopping map NEW SHOPPING MAP OUT IN SEPTEMBER Retail BID is printing 150,000 new Birmingham Shopping maps to be distributed across transport hubs, hotels, tourist information offices and city centre venues. The pocket-sized map will be available at the end of September 2016 and will include all the new businesses that have opened in the last year. All the major retail and leisure destinations, attractions and services will be shown on the map with grid references and an index to help visitors find their favourite shop, café, bar, restaurant or hotel. Independents and arcades are ‘We are really excited to welcome the Big also highlighted to show visitors ‘We are really excited to welcome the Big where they can find unique and specialist stores, bars and cof- SleuthSleuth toto Birmingham.Birmingham. TheThe BigBig HootHoot broughtbrought fee shops. Retail Birmingham is working thethe citycity centrecentre toto lifelife andand encouragedencouraged peoplepeople again with Bristol-based plan- ners and designers City ID on of all ages to explore the city centre’ the new map. of all ages to explore the city centre’ Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 9 TheThe BigBig SleuthSleuth is on its way to city Retail BID to support massive charity trail and invest £30,000 in Christmas lights

Retail BID Birmingham will help brighten up the city centre over the coming months by supporting two initiatives. The BID is contributing £30,000 towards the annual Christmas lights and has also thrown its weight behind next summer’s sequel to the Big Hoot. The Big Sleuth is the second trail created by Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity and creative produc- ers Wild in Art and will see over 100 giant sun bear sculptures positioned around Birmingham. The individually-designed, colour- The Big Hoot auction raised thousands for charity, while Temper’s Re-Tail owl, sponsored by Retail BID, sold for £18,000 ful, 165cm-tall sculptures will inspire locals and tourists to uncover the of local companies to take up one of city’s cultural gems and discover several sponsorship packages to allow the areas they may not have previously trail to cover as many of Birmingham’s ‘B’ explored. postcodes as possible. Packages start from The sun bear is the smallest of the £6,000. world’s eight bear species, mak- Last year 78 per cent of visitors stated The ing it the perfect choice to help the Big Hoot was their main reason for being children’s hospital raise vital funds in Birmingham. Collectively, these visitors when the bears go to auction. spent an additional £8 million directly as a Funded by corporates from around result. the region, the sculptures will be The 85 large owls raised £508,035 for brought to life by artists to create the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, exceeding visually stunning trail of art. their half-a-million-pound target. Michelle McLoughlin, Chief Nursing Michael Dunne, founder of the All Saints Officer at Birmingham Children’s retail chain, placed the highest bid of the Hospital, said: “The Big Sleuth is really Big Hoot auction, winning Re-Tail, by cel- important to Birmingham Children’s Deputy Retail BID manager Assia Sohaib ebrated Birmingham graffiti artist Temper Hospital as not only will it inspire said: “We are really excited to welcome and sponsored by Retail BID Birmingham, civic pride and give families another the Big Sleuth to Birmingham. The Big Hoot for £18,000. opportunity to get active on a free brought the city centre to life and encour- Ozzy’s Owl by Ozzy Osbourne and his and fun day out, but we also hope aged people of all ages to explore the city friend Graham Frank Wright sold for £12,500. to raise over half a million pounds to centre, we are sure the Big Sleuth will also For further information about The Big support the pioneering work we do be a huge success.” Sleuth, or to discuss sponsorship oppor- here each day.” The hospital charity needs the support tunities, visit www.thebigsleuth2017.co.uk PAGE 10 Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Topshop and River Island both unveiled their new-look flagship stores on the Upper West Mall in 2015

In September Bullring will celebrate its with the opening of Spiceal Street in 2011 13th birthday which provides the perfect with Jamie’s Italian, Browns, Chaophraya opportunity to take a look back over the Thai Restaurant and Handmade Burger How Bullring last 13 years and reflect upon the changes Co all launching. And most recently we we’ve seen at the centre as we have welcomed Bill’s, which opened just a few looked to meet the demands of today’s months ago and continues to be a top discerning shoppers. performer. Knowing that our shoppers want a fulfill- Our retailers have also been heav- is bringing on ing experience when they visit us, and im- ily investing in their stores. Just last year, portantly one that is differentiated from the Topshop and River Island both unveiled online shopping world, we have worked their new-look flagship stores on the Upper hard to implement a number of initiatives West Mall. that do just this. River Island expanded into a new the changes Attracting new restaurants to Bullring to 23,000sq ft space giving it the second expand its dining offer has been a key largest store in the UK, behind its Liverpool element. Our eateries have always been branch. The concept store boasts large General manager Michaela Moore tells popular, particularly during the lunchtime womenswear, menswear and footwear Edit how retailers are meeting demands of and weekend periods, but we wanted departments, and the largest kidswear de- discerning shoppers with VIP experiences to deliver a wider and more vibrant mix partment in the brand’s portfolio at 3,000sq so that our shoppers could also enjoy an ft. It also houses a personal shopping suite, while iconic Centre expands dining offer evening out with us. The first phase came the RI Style Studio, which offers customers Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 11

Michaela Moore, left, and River Island’s concept store interor, above

ers now have a limitless choice when it ing our retail offer by providing the ideal BULLRING comes to parting with their hard earned space for new urban fashion retail and AWARDS cash, and our job as landlords is to en- lifestyle brands to showcase their prod- sure that the experience in our centre is ucts in a dynamic pop-up style environ- IN 2016 unmatched online, or anywhere else for ment. Located on the connecting route n International that matter. Functional or bulky transac- between Bullring and Grand Central, Council of Shopping tions make sense online or through click LINKSTEET is anchored by Pretty Green, Centre’s Best and collect, but customers still enjoy the the clothing brand founded by Liam Gal- Established Centre in social interaction that comes with a day lagher and has also attracted a great mix Europe out at the shops. local and independent retailers, including n What’s On The facilities we provide are also key Birmingham-based homeware shop, Vin- Readers’ award in customers’ experience which is why cent Van Doodle. Its kiosk on LINKSTREET for Best Midlands we continue to invest in our award-win- proved to be so successful the brand Shopping Centre ning car parks, toilets and our Chang- extended its stay with us. n Keep Britain Tidy ing Places facility as well as To facilitate this dynamic short Award bringing new soft seating ‘The pop-up term leasing strategy we have n European to our Upper East Mall. We concept is been working with specialists, Gold Standard recently installed free phone Appear Here. The pop-up retailing the ultimate VIP experience where they can Parking Award for charging points, which have a great way concept is a great way to keep book to have a one-to-one consultation Centre and Moor proved extremely popular to keep the the centre’s retail experience fresh with the store’s personal shopper. The feed- Street|Selfridges Car with customers, and also and exciting for our shoppers and back from customers since the new store Parks welcomed parcel delivery centre’s retail importantly it is entirely possible opened has been very positive and it was n BCSC Purple service, Doddle, to the Upper experience that each trip to LINKSTREET could recently awarded the Realys Store Design of Apple Awards Merit West Mall so shoppers can exciting’ offer our shoppers with some- the Year at Retail Week’s 2016 awards. Winner for Strategic now collect and post parcels thing new each time. Topshop has also invested in its shop fit, Marketing Campaign: when visiting the centre. Already this year our hard work is being upsizing into a 36,000 sq ft unit. The expan- Disco Bull Head An exciting and engaging events recognised, with Bullring scooping seven sion saw the store become its third largest n BCSC Purple schedule is also important to ensure our industry awards over the past six months in the brand’s portfolio and allowed for a Apple Awards shoppers keep coming back. This year which includes the prestigious Interna- Personal Shopping Suite, which offers a Merit Winner for it includes shopping events such as Your tional Council of Shopping Centre’s Best number of services ranging from a 30-min- Tactical Marketing 5, a fashion-focused activity showcas- Established Centre in Europe award as ute appointment to find the perfect pair of Communication: ing products from retailers during new well as being one of the first recipients jeans to a 120-minute complete Wardrobe Welcome to Grand season periods, and the hugely popular, of a Keep Britain Tidy award recognising Overhaul. Central campaign Student Sessions, which sees shops and the safe, clean and enjoyable experi- As one of the UK’s most iconic retail des- n Sceptre Awards brands from around the centre offering ence and environment we provide our tinations we understand the importance of winner for students exclusive discounts and offers. customers with. We were also successful being more than just about shopping. As Commercialisation The newly refurbished LINKSTREET has at the What’s On Readers’ Awards as we detailed in a recent piece of insight carried Innovation proved to be a game changer for this were named the Best Midlands Shop- out by , we know custom- part of the centre, already strengthen- ping Centre. PAGE 12 Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 ‘There’s a buzz about Birmingham now that is as strong as when the Bullring was opening. You can feel it’

House of The buzz around Birmingham is at the “The city is fantastic – these are exciting of we Brummies. We don’t sit still, do we? same heightened level as when the new- times,” said Parminder. We’re down to earth, make things hap- Fraser Store look Bullring opened. “There’s a buzz about Birmingham now pen, grow and adapt.” Manager That’s the verdict of House of Fraser that is as strong as when the Bullring was Parminder says Retail BID Birmingham Parminder Store Manager Parminder Sahota, a born- opening. You can feel it. has a pivotal role to play during these and-bred Brummie who has experienced “As frustrating as it can sometimes be changing times and is right behind its Sahota first-hand the Second City’s renaissance. when there’s lots of construction work vision for a proposed third term, from talks about Parminder is currently overseeing happening, I see the long-term plan. 2017-2022. the exciting exciting developments at his store on Cor- “Birmingham’s a great city anyway, but The BID is developing a strategy to poration Street – featuring super-brands what’s going on now is going to make a create a stronger visitor experience by plans at the like Michael Kors and Armani – as one of great city even greater. connecting retail, dining and cultural at- popular Birmingham’s most iconic shopping ven- “I’m a Brummie through and through. I tractions. Corporation ues readies itself for the festive season. knew Birmingham before the recent in- Parminder added: “The Retail BID’s work And as the city centre continues to vestment and development began and it’s is important for both small and large busi- Street evolve, he claims there’s rarely been a bet- great to see what’s happening to the city. nesses alike – I 100 per cent support its retailer ter time to be involved in Birmingham retail. “It’s inspiring and shows the character proposed third term. Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 13

ing customers a broader range to shop. “We’re also launching one of a new womenswear brand on the third floor, called Maison De Nimes, which is another exciting development.” The second floor’s buy-and-collect service – an area that has seen huge growth in recent months – is also being improved. “There are always products and brands we don’t sell in this store but stock online,” added Parminder. “A great service we offer customers is the chance to order online, or at one of our instore terminals, and collect the next day. “We’re now implementing plans to further improve the overall customer ex- perience. Customers want more choice, not just regarding products but the way they shop, and want to be rewarded for it which is why our loyalty scheme is prov- ing so popular.” The new Midland Metro Corporation Street stop, directly opposite House of Fraser, has been another plus for a store which offers a wide range of retail options and services. “We have by far the biggest shoe de- partment in the city and a world of bags and beauty on the ground-floor,” added Parminder. “There’s also three floors of fashion, the House of Fraser Store Manager Parminder Sahota and the iconic store’s broadest homeware range in the city, beauty and menswear floors, above three restaurants, a hair salon, a men’s barber’s and a very successful dentist. “It’s key to supporting the delivery and Oxford Street, Reading and Wolverhamp- “It’s a one-stop shopping experience success of the many developments in and ton, among others, during eight years with delivered by a team who always put the around the city. the company. customer first – one of the company’s “Birmingham has an amazing retail offer- “We’ve got a few exciting things happen- ‘We’ve got a core values. ing which, coupled with the expanding ing which will be in operation by mid-Oc- few exciting “The Midland Metro extension in itself food and leisure choices, can only be a tober. things is great in terms of better-connecting good thing for attracting visitors.” “We’re really proud to be introducing a the city. We’re happy it’s up and running Parminder, currently putting the finish- new Michael Kors handbags department happening and are encouraged by the customer ing touches to plans for this year’s Santa’s on the ground-floor, to complement our which will be feedback. Grotto, says shoppers can look forward to Michael Kors footwear range. We believe it in operation “House of Fraser’s standing in the city is new fashion ranges and improved services will be a great success. as great as it’s ever been. ahead of the festive period. “We’re also introducing a new men’s by mid- “The city has evolved and we have a “As I’m sure every retailer will say, our Armani concept on the first floor. Currently, October’ number of great department stores – but immediate focus is getting ready for an we stock Armani formalwear and jeans, but that’s a good thing. It means visitors to amazing Christmas,” added Parminder, who they’ll be creating one department which the city centre have a greater choice than has managed House of Fraser’s stores in will combine formal and casual wear, giv- ever before.” PAGE 14 Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 It’s a drink... with a Twist

The bubble isn’t likely to burst Chinese cafe owners anytime soon for a newly-wed talk about the Chinese couple making a living growing popularity selling one of their homeland’s most popular beverages. of bubble tea in Jiaqi Wang and Jingyuan Ni, who Birmingham met six years ago while studying at University College Birmingham, own the colourful Twist café in Ethel Street they opened at the end of 2013. Their USP is bubble tea, which origi- nates from Taiwan and comes in two styles – milky and fruity. Not to be confused with an English- style cuppa, bubble tea is a cold or hot drink, with the milky option similar to a milkshake and the fruity version like juice. Its signature ingredient is small Jiaqi Wang and Jingyuan Ni, who met six years ago while studying in Birmingham juice-filled balls that pop open in your mouth and unleash flavours, like mango, apple, kiwi and strawberry. potential market in Birmingham and With Ethel Street’s array of food and According to Jiaqi, who introduces the UK in general. beverage outlets, Andy is determined himself as ‘Andy’ because locals “It’s a very young product – it only to make the most of the increasing generally struggle to pronounce his originated in the 1980s – but it be- footfall heading Twist’s way. Chinese name, bubble tea shops are came extremely popular across Asia “Birmingham is flourishing and the as widespread in Asia ‘as Costa is before catching on in America and next ten years are going to be excit- over here’. latterly Europe. ing times for the city,” he said. The drink’s popularity in Birmingham “New customers come in every day “We’ve got fewer people coming to is growing, especially among the who don’t know what bubble tea is. us from the Victoria Square direction younger generation. But we explain it to them, give them due to the diversions caused by the So much so that the couple, who a sample to try, and the response is old library being demolished. wed in Andy’s hometown of Dalian always very positive.” “But with the new station, Grand in February and have a one-year-old Twist’s biggest-seller is its refreshing Central and the tram on our door- son called Xiaoan, are considering range of fruity bubble teas which, step, we’re hopeful our area will opening a second shop near one of along with the café’s fat-free frozen become increasingly popular.” the city’s university campuses. yoghurt with a variety of toppings, The couple also sell bubble tea Andy said: “After finishing our stud- are at their most popular during the offsite, running stalls at Cannon Hill ies, we wanted to open a shop and summer months. Park Foodies Festival, , considered a coffee house or noodle The couple are also considering London Big Foodies Festival, Univer- bar. introducing their homeland’s most sity of Worcester’s Biggest Japanese Twist’s bubble tea options, above, “But we decided upon a bubble famous street food to the menu – the Culture Festival and the Birmingham and social media tea shop as we felt there was a big Chinese crepe called ‘Jianbing’. Thai temple, Wat Santiwongsaram. Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 15

City centre shoppers and retailers will have spotted a summer marketing campaign that runs until mid-Sep- tember. The Retail BID campaign targets the 60-minute drive- Summer lovin’ time of the city centre to make sure Birmingham is at the forefront as a key shopping destination in the . The campaign includes digital adverts, train Extensive marketing campaign targets 60-minute drive-time panels, outdoor advertising and print advertisements in regional magazines. PAGE 16 Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 New look for public art on John Bright St Retail BID works with Museums Trust A prominent piece of public art has un- dergone extensive conservation as part and specialist conservation experts to of a project to improve the flourishing brighten up booming John Bright Street John Bright Street area of Birmingham city centre. The sculpture by artist Lee Grandjean, called ‘Birmingham Figure’, was commis- sioned in 1987 by the city’s Development Department, in collaboration with the John Bright Street Traders Association. It is part of the portfolio of public art- works managed by Birmingham Museums Trust. Retail BID worked with the Museums Trust on the conservation project. The BID is also spearheading a project to deep clean John Bright Street through a programme of pavement jet washing and the installation of a new flower tower to make the area more attractive to visitors. John Bright Street has seen numer- stains, graffiti and gum. Repairs have also ous bars and restaurants open in recent been made to the structure involving months including The Stable, Cherry Reds, the removal of old delaminating fills and Brew Dog and Turtle Bay, along with plans reinstating areas of missing limestone. for a new seafood restaurant called Penin- Also, an application of a graffiti-proof top sula Lobster in the historic Futurist Cinema coat has been applied to help protect the building (see Page 23). sculpture for future generations. Birmingham-based Mareva Conserva- The final restoration scheme will be tion, a practice specialising in the con- completed in September 2016. servation of historic buildings, memori- Mareva Director Veronika Vlková said: als, sculptures and decorative surfaces, “I have thoroughly enjoyed undertaking carried out the works on this prominent this conservation project and having the piece of public art. opportunity to bring the sculpture back to Retail BID manager Steve Hewlett with Veronika Vlková of Mareva and The work involved surface cleaning its original splendid appearance. Paul Barnett, also of Retail BID, at the sculpture to remove moss and algae growth, dirt, “The Birmingham Figure sculpture is Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 17

John Bright Street

A Retail BID flower tower made out of a beautiful Lepine limestone “When we started the treatment the aim Lee Grandjean’s Bright Street is a buzzing, thriving area of the and comprises of three blocks placed on of the conservation was to stabilise the Birmingham Figure city centre with some great bars and restau- top of one another. It took the artist about sculpture structurally as well as to reinstate during the final rants and we want it to look welcoming and 12 months to carve. the original surface. stages of restoration appealing to visitors and residents during “When I first visited the sculpture for an “We removed all the old fills and coatings the day and evening, which is why we were initial assessment it was in a rather poor to reveal the stone surface using a num- keen for the conservation of Lee Grandjean’s state. The limestone had suffered deterio- ber of cleaning methods. With an upmost important piece of public art as part of wider ration and had also suffered heavily from care it was possible to remove all the fills cleaning schemes for the street.” graffiti. Furthermore, large areas of missing without affecting the original limestone. A Birmingham Museums Trust spokesper- stone were filled with a resinous material “The new fills are made out of material son added: “Birmingham Museums Trust is and there were multiple coatings applied which is porous and breathable. It imitates delighted to be working with Retail Birming- to disguise the damage. the limestone to make the perfect final finish ham to give this area of the city centre a “The actual work on the piece took our and it is the exact colour as the original new lease of life. Restoring the sculpture will team a total of three weeks with a lot of stone.” allow it to be enjoyed by locals and be a fit- preparation and research prior to that. BID manager Steve Hewlett said: “John ting welcome to visitors from New Street.” PAGE 18 Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

The new image of Birmingham city centre taken mid-July for Britain from the Air shows Bullring and Selfridges in the Tree-lined New Street runs through the centre of this image, on display as part of Britain from the Air foreground, Grand Central in the centre and Broad Street, and Edgbaston in the distance Copyright Above All Images / Britain from the Air Copyright Above All Images / Britain from the Air Air raising images delight city visitors A passer- Birmingham city centre came alive with commissioned to show how the skyline by enjoys is changing by the day with large-scale Britain from colour this summer after being chosen the Air to host a prestigious street photography regeneration projects. during its exhibition. Retail BID Birmingham played a key role unveiling Britain From The Air, which features 100 in bringing the exhibition to the city after in Victoria giant aerial photographs, swooped into securing the required sponsorship. Square the city centre in mid-July for a two-month The exhibition, free to the public and stay to give added appeal for summer accessible 24 hours a day, showcases shoppers and tourists. breath-taking and thought-provoking And such was its popularity, the exhibi- landscapes while telling the story of the tion was extended until September 11 to UK’s geography and history. give visitors more time to see the stunning Britain From The Air is a fun way for photographs. people of all ages, especially families, to New images of the city centre were also learn about the country’s history via self- Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBEREdit NOV/DEC 2015 2016 PAGE 1915

Tree-lined New Street runs through the centre of this image, on display as part of Britain from the Air World-famous Edgbaston Stadium, home to Test cricket since the early 1900s, and Cannon Hill Park in Edgbaston Copyright Above All Images / Britain from the Air Copyright Above All Images / Britain from the Air Air raising images delight city visitors guided walks. The trail can be picked up and offer fascinating new views of a city A mum and her son stop at any point and each photo is captioned centre that is changing by the day. Despite to admire the with interesting facts covering issues taking shots back in March the change photography surrounding the man-made features and was so drastic we had to re shoot them near New Street environmental and geological changes again at the end of July to reflect this. station that have created our landscape today. “The stand-out for me is the work on The exhibition, described by organisers Central Library as the new image shows as ‘three years in the making’, is a joint- just how quickly the old building is being project between street gallery pioneers taken down to be replaced by the Para- Wecommunic8, the Royal Geographical dise scheme. Society and Craghoppers outdoor cloth- “We hope the new photographs give ing, supported by Retail BID. the visitors to Britain from the Air a chance Steve Hewlett, Retail BID manager, said: to reflect on how a dynamic, evolving city “The latest images are simply stunning like Birmingham never stands still.” PAGE 20 Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Somerset House on Temple Street NEW RESTAURANTS FOR TEMPLE STREET The booming bar and dining scene around Temple Street and Bennett’s Hill could be about to welcome two more venues. Plans have been revealed to renovate Somerset House, in Easy does Temple Street, to create two new ground floor restaurants and refurbish the vacant office space above, previously home to law firm Shakespeares. The building currently houses it for city beauty salon Serenity and most recently Temple Street Social, which closed down last summer. London-based owner Circle Property plans to revamp the gym goers ground floor area and knock through the units so the new res- taurants stretch back to Needless heartbreaking to have such great facilities Alley at the rear of the building. Corporation One of the city centre’s biggest gyms Somerset House, at 34-40 is in good shape for the future after the that people don’t even know about. Temple Street, was constructed Street club launch of the Midland Metro extension. “But with the tram going up and down in 1936 for a company called is hoping for Paul Grice, Club Manager of EasyGym Corporation Street there will be much Somerset Buildings and was Birmingham City Centre, believes the new more visibility for us.” designed by Birmingham-based increased route will be of benefit to members in the EasyGym Birmingham City Centre has an architecture practice Essex and visibility with long term as the tram passes the Corpora- extensive selection of free weights, cardio Goodman. passing trams, tion Street building. kit and industry-leading classes from Les Circle Property also owns “After all the recent street works, we’re Mills and Insanity. nearby Cheltenham House, at 14- explains hoping in the long term it will be to our Thirty-five-year-old Paul, from Harborne, 16 Temple Street, which houses manager Paul benefit,” Paul told Edit magazine. has spent his working life in a variety of The Botanist and offices above, “We still get people who visit us saying fitness-related roles. He explained how including Retail BID. Grice ‘I didn’t know this was here’ and that’s ‘hand on heart’ this is the best gym he has Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 21

Paul Grice, left, among The EasyGym fitness chain is now 15- and that members are ‘much more savvy’. the club’s latest cardio strong and spans the country, with two “Gym consumers know they don’t have equipment and a clubs in Birmingham – Corporation Street to go too far to find a deal that works for passing Metro tram, and Kings Heath. them, so what we try to do is try to find above Paul believes the EasyGym approach the balance of offering quality equipment is changing clients’ perceptions of using and service at the right price. We’ve got gyms. that mix working well. “There’s a big perception of gyms, espe- “Some gyms do charge a lower fee but cially when they’ve got the broad range the quality and level of support is not to of equipment like ours, that they’re full of the same standard.” super fit people,” said Paul. Paul is keen for EasyGym Birmingham “That’s not the case. There are people of City Centre to strengthen ties with the all shapes and sizes and it’s nice to be a local business community and loans bikes ‘My part of that. and other equipment for charity chal- benchmark “We have 12 staff here, which includes a lenges and wellness sessions. is ‘would my couple of personal trainers. Although they “We have link ups with the likes of Bar- work independently they’re very much clays and Legal & General for corporate mum come part of the team and we’re quite proud events, where we’ve visited them and here and of that.” held wellness sessions,” he said. worked at. “I’ve worked for lots of differ- would she be EasyGym on Corporation Street has a “Then on the back of that we can offer ent companies over the past 15 years and broad and mixed clientele, from 9-5 office an incentive to become a member of the I always say to people, hand on heart, this comfortable?’ workers, to students. club.” is the best gym I’ve ever worked at and I I think she “Because of where we are, we have a And what about fast-changing trends in know, 100 per cent, I would join,” he said. large ‘corporate’ and office membership the fitness industry? “It’s got everything you need. We’ve would’ with people working routines around their “High-intensity workouts are extremely got a great team that makes people feel 9-5 days,” said Paul. popular here, largely because of the welcome. “We also have a lot of students here and office demographic with people pushed “My benchmark is ‘would my mum obviously in the city we have a lot more for time. come here and would she be comfort- residential development these days so “People like to have a short, sharp blast able?’ I think she would. our membership is quite broad.” and go away feeling good. You can get “That’s the kind of mentality I want to Paul explained how the fitness industry results in short visits, but I would always get across to the staff here.” has changed enormously in recent years, recommend mixing up routines.” PAGE 22 Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 Meet the Maplin Yodas! Tech experts enjoying increased sales, footfall and store standards

The force is strong at Maplin’s Temple Street store. Store manager Kath Whitehouse and her team have increased sales, footfall, conversion and standards over the past Kath also operates as a life coach in services has also contributed to the few months. her spare time and has used some of store’s recent success. Maplin Temple Street “Our USP is our technical knowledge,” her skills to implement motivational tools New installation services for TVs, aeri- said Kath, who has worked for Maplin to boost the team and store’s perfor- als, satellite dishes, CCTV cameras and for ten years but only moved to the mance. alarms have proved popular and are Temple Street store in April. One such method was an exercise expected to grow significantly in the “My team has a diverse range of skills she picked up from a book called ‘The coming months. and knowledge and there doesn’t Energy Bus’. Although Maplin’s core range of seem to be anything about tech they “I gave each staff electronic components, don’t know between them. It’s like hav- member a bus ticket Being able to control networking, hard drives ing a shop full of little Yodas!” and a letter outlining my and cables remains its Maplin is renowned for customer vision for the store and everything using your biggest seller, introducing service, with a market-leading net pro- asked them to come smart phone is our consumers to the increas- moter score (customer satisfaction mea- on a journey with me biggest growth area ingly popular ‘smart surement) that eclipses even Apple’s. to make the store and home’ market is a key “Once we get customers through the their performance the best it could be,” focus. “Being able to control everything door, we can showcase our expertise explained Kath. using your smart phone is our biggest and provide solutions for all their tech “I asked them to return the bus ticket if growth area,” added Kath. “’Connected needs,” she said. they wanted to join me on that journey. homes’ is a massively growing industry “We’re number one for service in the “It was mainly symbolic, but if they re- and we want to introduce the public to industry and are very proud of that. My turned the ticket, I knew they’d support a world where all of this tech just works vision for the store is to make it a great me and each other. They all returned for them, without any hassle. place to work – for colleagues to be their tickets and their commitment has “People can now turn their home engaged and customers to receive the Kath standing in front of the been extraordinary.” heating on from the train, switch the bus tickets best service possible, at all times.” Maplin’s array of new products and lights on or off while they’re out or even Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 23

Cinema todfasfd become seafood restaurantasdfasfdasfd

view CCTV footage while on holiday. The Maplin “Security is another big area for us. team, from People want peace of mind to keep their left to right, The former Futurist Cinema in John Bright Street will open as Peninsula Lobster this autumn are: Kath homes and families safe. With the latest (second smart apps, you can get alerts on your right) with A seafood restaurant is early 1900s and officially the keys earlier this year it mobile about any incidents. Dave, Jules, due to open in the former opened in July 1919 as one was looking very ugly. “We provide installation services for Shaun and Futurist Cinema in John of the oldest cinemas in the “We’ve done a lot of work both domestic and business customers. Tom Bright Street. country. to restore some of the We have new finance options to help Peninsula Lobster will It was the first cinema features such as the high spread the cost and can set up business open in September after a in Birmingham to have ceilings. We have created accounts.” £700,000 restoration of the curtains and to screen ‘talk- a very big restaurant but Kath is hoping the store’s imminent building. ies’. In the 1920s the city’s even so we had to create a new-look front will also pay further Owners of the restaurant Alexandra theatre-goers partition wall and section dividends. “The landlord has invested said they were planning to soon became attracted to off the main cinema audi- significant sums in upgrading the offices use the historic features of watching entertainment on torium.” upstairs and our store front will undergo the building when creating the big screen, offered by Peninsula Lobster is a similar revamp so it is uniform with the a private lounge, bar, sepa- The Futurist Cinema. described as a high-end rest of the building,” she said. rate restaurant, a function Peninsula Lobster co- seafood restaurant which “This will hopefully have a big impact suite upstairs as well as a owner William Sui told will serve sharing seafood on attracting new customers into the balcony bar where diners the Birmingham Mail: “The platters of lobster, crab, store. Other aims including maximis- can enjoy cocktails. previous lease holders had creole fish, prawns, cala- ing sales through networking so more The cinema, across the done a lot of work to hide mari, mussels, a catch of the businesses are aware of our services and road from the Alexandra the original features of the day dish and also steak and can better understand how we can help Theatre, dates back to the building so when we got chicken dishes. them.” PAGE 24 Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 Suite success for the historic Macdonald Burlington hotel 142-year-old venue aiming to become city centre’s leading conference hotel

Macdonald Burlington Hotel plans to build on its reputation as Birmingham’s most well-connected hotel by becom- ing the city centre’s leading conference hotel. The opening of the revamped New Street Station, Grand Central, John Lewis and new Midland Metro stop – all right on the doorstep – have contributed to a successful 12 months for the 142-year-old venue. And with a fellow historic building, the nearby former Midland Bank building, be- ing refurbished to former glories by tech giant Apple, further business opportunities appear to be around the corner. In keeping with its developing environ- ment, Macdonald Burlington Hotel has ex- citing plans of its own, with refurbishment projects planned over the next 12 months. Bedrooms are set to undergo a make- Newly-promoted general manager over, blending period features with a James Bee modern twist to appeal to the leisure and corporate markets. Plans are also being drawn up to refur- ‘People and charm. Our Horton Suite can accom- store on our doorstep will be a big win bish the first-floor bar and restaurant with modate up to 500 delegates and has for Birmingham.” public areas also receiving attention. come here arguably the largest banqueting capacity James has overseen many notable Newly-promoted general manager because they at any Birmingham city centre hotel. successes since joining Macdonald Bur- James Bee now wants to capitalise on the want to stay “You’d have to go to the ICC or Town lington Hotel four years ago, including a hotel’s business growth by establishing it Hall to book a bigger space and our tar- 30 per cent increase in conference room as the go-to venue for meetings, events somewhere get over the next five years is to establish sales while bedroom sales have risen by and conferences. with the Burlington as the leading conference over 20 per cent since 2013. “We have a range of function suites and banqueting hotel in the city centre. The hotel also achieved the highest available for large and small events, with history and “We’ve already got the transport links level of customer satisfaction two years 16 flexible and well-equipped suites,” said character.. and layout and I also have an excellent ago when it achieved the BDRC Conti- James. we have team to work with. They are continually nental VenueVerdict Gold accreditation “The hotel retains a refined ambience complemented on TripAdvisor for their for each quarter. from its history hosting heads of state. It’s a plenty of friendliness and high-quality service.” The venue also plays an active role in beautiful Victorian building with character that’ He added: “Apple opening such a big the community. Alongside Macdonald Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 25

Hotels regional managing director Derek McDonagh, James ran the Great Birming- ham 10k in May while blindfolded to raise almost £2,000 for Queen Alexandra Col- lege for people with visual impairment and other disabilities. It all means one of the city’s oldest and most iconic hotels is as relevant as ever. “I don’t think anyone can argue that we’re the best located hotel in Birming- ham city centre,” added James. “Our guests couldn’t be in a better With a modern take on period charm, this is how the position for shopping or transport. If you Macdonald Burlington’s refurbished rooms will look walk from our doorstep and immediately catch a train, you can be in London in under 90 minutes. “With all the nearby developments our city centre location is better than ever. “We noticed a definite impact last autumn when the entrance to New Street moved around and Grand Central opened. It’s had a huge impact on the hotel and local businesses.” The hotel serves ‘Birmingham spring water’ from its own unique water source – a borehole deep beneath the hotel where underground tunnels, once used to distribute mail across the city, still exist. Laurel and Hardy are listed among its many celebrity guests, while the hotel was also the venue for Enoch Powell’s infamous Rivers of Blood speech 48 years ago. The Horton family has owned the Burlington – originally called The Midland Hotel – since it opened in 1874 and James claims its rich history will be respected during the planned refurbish- ment work. “The hotel’s not a modern build so, with anything we do, we will always be respectful of the period,” he added. “That doesn’t mean, however, that we’ve got to kit it out with antique furni- ture. We can link period and modern to suit current markets. “Having said that, a lot of people come here because they want to stay some- where with history and character, and we have got plenty of that.” PAGE 26 Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 Mix of new and old in stunning Cannon Street An eclectic mix of retailers, The new and the old are working in harmony along one of Birmingham’s listed architecture and most picturesque thoroughfares, which thestudio meeting spaces continues to grow in popularity. Cannon Street boasts an eclectic mix of with its ‘hidden gem’ roof retail and business offerings housed in tra- garden are helping Cannon ditional buildings, many of Victorian origin, Street keep up appearances which have been extensively modified and extended. A key focal point is thestudio, which has grown into the Caxtongate Phase One development that stretches from Fore Street to New Street and features two listed buildings. thestudio offers city centre meeting rooms and conference venues – includ- ing practical and creative settings – for corporate and private functions. Its impressive array of 20 spaces, across four floors, caters for anything from train- ing sessions, conferences, networking and corporate events to parties, wedding receptions and dinners for up to 200 people. thestudio’s hidden gem is its roof garden with accompanying communal business lounge, an unexpected haven in the middle of a bustling city. Julian Kettleborough, Commercial Direc- tor at thestudio, said: “We’ve got a little bit of something for everyone. “We work with a diverse range of clients, from local corporate businesses, service industries, local government and the NHS to private customers organising a special occasion. Julian Kettleborough, “We have practical spaces for more Commercial Director at traditional events but also appeal to thestudio, above clients who are maybe looking for ‘a bit of Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 27

Left: eness’s new cosmetics store and thestudio’s meeting spaces offering ‘a bit of Google’ for the day

Menswear and Toni & Guy in Caxtongate Phase One is recently-opened eness cosmetics. The new retail brand of luxurious and premium body care products has chosen Birmingham and, more specifically Can- non St, to launch its first store. eness cosmetics Managing Director Justin Clohessy said the location within the Retail BID Birmingham zone had been carefully selected after a year researching Britain’s cities. Google’ for the day. “Google’s headquar- “With its central location and diver- ters is renowned for being innovative and sity of culture and ethnic demographic, that’s an experience we offer, enabling Birmingham quickly stood out as the ideal clients to collaborate and get the most out location,” said Justin. of their day. “The eness cosmetics range has been “We pride ourselves in being creative. specially developed to offer something People just don’t expect to see a roof for every type of skin and colour and it felt terrace, which is ideal for wedding recep- like a natural fit. tions and networking events. “I spent a great deal of time in Birming- “There certainly aren’t many spaces in ham and felt very excited about the the city centre where you can bring your Cannon Street outlet being our first, as work colleagues and have a BBQ.” well as our office. During this time, we also thestudio’s success in Birmingham has struck a real affinity with the City, so it just enabled the company to branch out into felt right. four other major cities, with its newest “Lower Cannon Street has some big venue opening in Glasgow in September. name retailers like Jigsaw, White Stuff and “We have become recognised in the city the soon-to-open Bravissimo, and it also is as an imaginative venue but we’re always the thoroughfare to the financial quarters, looking to let more businesses know ensuring daily footfall.” about what we offer,” added Julian. eness cosmetics promises affordable, “People who regularly walk past our high-quality products, for all skin types, front door are still often amazed when that have completed the company’s ‘Love they come and take a look inside. Your Earth’ ethical and sustainable journey, “We’re in a great location. To truly ap- which ensures they contain no harmful preciate Cannon Street, you need to look ingredients to the user or planet. above the store fronts. Some of the build- “We only opened early August but we’re ings are really stunning.” delighted with the response so far,” added Cannon Street was the home of the Justin. “Footfall into the store is building Birmingham Post & Mail printing house until and word is quickly getting out that our the early 1960s and was once graced by products are the best around – but at a legendary Grand National winner Red Rum price well below that of the bigger brands. for the opening of Coral bookmakers. “We hope to open our second store Back to the present and the newest in Birmingham prior to Christmas, as we neighbour to founder tenants like Slaters believe it to be right for our brand.” PAGE 28 Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

We’re working together to make the city prosper M&S High Street Store Manager and Retail BID board member Paul Denning explains how bosses are sharing ideas to drive footfall and improve the visitor experience

Having launched and led department for lunch and one thing that’s clear is that stores across the UK, Paul Denning we’re on a journey in Birmingham. returns to Birmingham brimming with “Having all the big stores within walking ideas to help the city centre prosper. distance is a huge attraction and we have Paul has worked for M&S for more than a job to do as retailers in making sure 18 years in a variety of shop-floor and the outer areas of Birmingham such as management roles and has opened new Solihull and Coventry are aware we have branches in Scotland, the north west, that presence in the city centre. Malvern and Bristol. “That’s our biggest challenge.” He returned to M&S High Street in Paul welcomes a proposal as part of October 2015 as Store Manager, having Retail BID’s proposed third term to build worked there 16 years ago. on the city centre ‘visitor experience’, “It’s been really enjoyable being back,” which encourages shoppers to dine, “Once people get here they’re really said the 44-year-old. enjoy cultural centres and spend happy, it’s just the getting here that’s the “I worked in the High Street ‘Between longer in the city centre. problem.” store back in 2000 when Bullring us we have “On top of the retail offer you M&S High Street neighbours the Primark was being built. have the food and leisure attrac- Pavilions development and shares four “To come back after all these a lot of tions. There’s lots to leverage on entrances with the building, which are years and see the city the way it experience so we’re doing work as a group now closed for works to begin. is today I was completely taken and of managers to work on this. The retailer does not plan to re-open aback. “We want to build that relation- the entrances to the new Primark as the “There are some parts of the hundreds ship. Between us we have a lot store benefits from three main entrances of experience and hundreds of at the front of the building in addition city that are very familiar but of ideas to M&S Store Manager other parts that have changed drive that ideas to drive that footfall.” to the rear entrance from Moor Street, Paul Denning, above, significantly such as Bullring and Paul believes accessibility into which Paul describes as ‘sufficient’. and architects’ Grand Central. footfall’ the city centre is something that “I’m excited about Primark opening next impressions for the “It’s a really exciting time to be needs addressing. door. I see it as an opportunity,” said Paul. new Primark Pavilions, in the city.” “I still get people saying to me ‘it took “I think it will drive footfall, even though which neighbours M&S, above left Paul sits on the board of Retail BID and is me hours to get here’. That’s a real issue,” it’s a different style of customer. keen to collaborate with the city council he said. “We’re working closely with the “The challenge will be during the build- and other store managers for the benefit BID and the council to get us to a position ing phase and how me minimise disrup- of the city centre. where the city centre becomes a lot tion over the next 12 to 18 months while “All the department store managers met more accessible. they carry out the work.” Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 29

He believes retailers need to be more 90,000-100,000 each week and it’s still a ‘There is still a “And also women love to shop! There’s inventive to make sure traditional high big driver for us. something in the social side of it all; street stores do not fall victim to online “As we become more inventive with huge amount of coming in, having a browse with friends, growth. click and collect or next-day delivery, it’s our customers going for a coffee or a bit of lunch, you “We’re going through a huge change in a no-brainer that is the route we’re going who want to will never lose that. how people shop,” he said. down – to make shopping more acces- “Our food business continues to grow “A large part of that means more sible and easier. come in and try and our ability to introduce new products people turn to online, but we still have “There is still a huge amount of our cus- the products’ and innovate is second to none. our core shoppers. tomers who want to come in and try the “I’m biased, but the food is “Our footfall to this store is between products, and to feel the products. phenomenal!” PAGE 30 Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 Global cuisines on offer at Martineau Place

Ever-expanding food choices include global tastes from Caribbean, Europe and Middle East

The hunt for global cuisines has got coming into Martineau Place because of shoppers making a beeline for a Birming- Pokemon Go – it’s encouraging people ham shopping centre. to take a look around,” revealed Centre The ever-expanding food choices on Manager Michele Jones. offer at Martineau Place include tasty treats “The last time I counted, we’d got Poke- from the Caribbean, mainland Europe and Stops at our Corporation Street entrance, the Middle East, plus a specialist vegan Rush Hair, Greggs, Burger King and under café. the canopies in the inner mall. I only know But it’s not just the eclectic mix of retail this because I’ve ended up playing it and food outlets that is attracting custom- myself!” ers to the centrally-located shopping mall. Catching Pokemon can work up an ap- Martineau Place has also become a hive petite and the array of independent food of activity for worldwide gaming craze outlets located in the inner mall justify Pokemon Go! Martineau Place’s ‘Eat and Taste the World’ The hustle and bustle of a typical shop- tagline. ping day around the centre is regularly The wood-fired oven pizzas at La Vera of- punctuated by whoops of joy as ‘trainers’ fer an authentic taste of Italy and have been catch Pokemon on their smartphones. earning rave reviews, including within the La Vera’s wood-fired pizza oven offers an authentic taste of Italy “We’ve had quite a few more people esteemed column inches of The Guardian. Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 31

INSTA CITY what our members have been snapping

“It’s just a case of getting the word out Bullring In love with the new The Bull Street view of Kate Spade collection that’s just as much as possible about the great food Martineau Place, left, and arrived at @cadenzza_jewellery. they’re serving.” Centre Manager Michele Built in the 1960s and redeveloped in 2001, Jones, below left one of Martineau Place’s biggest miscon- ceptions is vast in size. Originally developed in the 1960s and refurbished in 2001, Martineau Place is much bigger than it first appears, spanning the FAMILY FUN prime city centre area bordered by Cor- AT CENTRE poration Street, Bull Street, High Street and Union Street. Martineau Place Boots and the Staybridge Suites Hotel puts on events, like are the biggest tenants within the centre’s family fun days, to 404,000 square feet of retail space. attract footfall – and Other stores like Sainsbury’s, one such venture earned the centre Pride of place within Perugia- Deichmann, Poundland, CEX Liquorstore_est New drop a Guinness World born Rakan Kteishat’s restaurant is and Argos underline Martineau of Women’s Clarks Original Record. the £25,000 Mam oven – nick- Place’s ‘Shop, Eat, Stay’ billing. Trigenics for AW16! Here is the In 2014, staff named the Ferrari of pizza ovens. “We’ve got a little bit of ev- black suede version. joined forces with Shoppers can sample Lebanese erything,” added Michele, who the Help Harry Help food at Shawarma City, Carib- is also excited by the transport Others charity to bean cuisine at Talk of the Town revolution taking place in Bir- create the longest and Portuguese dishes at Nata mingham. chain of beads ever Café. Vegan-friendly options “The new tram route in Cor- made, stretching a can be found at 3 Threes Coffee poration Street is now making whopping 9,500- Lounge. us accessible to shoppers from metres. “We’ve got some really diverse Wolverhampton and Birming- “It was something eating options,” added Michele. ham’s outer suburbs.” Harry Moseley had “We’ve got a nice blend of Following the recent transfer wanted to achieve, bigger chains like Burger King, KFC, Greggs of Unis Internet Lounge from Pavilions to so it was a proud and Caffe Nero and independents like Wok Martineau Place, further developments are moment to help his & Go and Yum Yum Chicken. afoot. mum Georgie pull it “La Vera sources fresh ingredients from A statement from asset management com- twistcafeuk Welcome off and raise money Italy and has been getting excellent reviews. pany Ellandi said: “We are in advance stages PokemonGo players to Twist. in memory of such “The independents have got extremely of feasibility studies into reconfiguring areas We have #pokemonstop an amazing, selfless loyal customers who keep coming back of the scheme for three or four tenants who in Ethel Street. Play it with a boy,” said Michele. #bubbletea because they like what they eat. have expressed keen interest.” PAGE 32 Edit AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 HOURS HOURS A DAY

142Years the Macdonald Burlington 24Visitors can see the stunning Hotel has been accommodating Britain from the Air street Birmingham city centre visitors photography exhibition STORY: STORY: PAGES 24&25 PAGES 18&19 SQ 23,000 FT £700,000 The size of Being spent River Island’s transforming the expanded former Futurist flagship store Cinema into a at Bullring Edit seafood restaurant STORY: STORY: PAGE 23 PAGES 10&11 IN NUMBERS OCTOBER OCTOBER 2016 1987 The year John Bright Street sculpture ‘Birmingham Figure’ by Lee Grandjean was 27Deadline for the opportunity to originally unveiled. The artwork vote on the renewal of Retail BID has been restored for future for a further five years generations STORY: PAGES 4&5 STORY: PAGES 16&17