“Cuppa with a Coppa” comes to Colmore Business District

Image caption: L-R Micheal Polulton, Jermiah Richards-Dore at Colmore BID and Stefani Sadler.

In a fresh push to strengthen ties between local businesses and law enforcement, West Midlands Police has teamed up with Colmore Business District (Colmore BID) to launch “Cuppa with a Coppa” — a relaxed and informal community engagement initiative designed to bring neighbourhood policing into the heart of Birmingham’s business community.

The concept is simple: over a cup of tea or coffee, business owners, employees, and stakeholders can meet their local police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to discuss concerns, ask questions, and receive practical crime prevention advice.

The sessions are designed to be approachable and friendly, breaking down barriers and encouraging open dialogue between the police and the people they serve.

“Cuppa with a Coppa” is part of West Midlands Police’s wider commitment to community policing and proactive engagement. By creating opportunities for face-to-face conversations in familiar settings, the initiative aims to build trust, improve understanding, and ensure that local policing is responsive to the needs of the community.

As one of Birmingham’s most vibrant commercial districts, Colmore BID represents over 600 businesses and 40,000 employees. The area is home to a diverse mix of sectors — from professional services and hospitality to retail and creative industries — all of which benefit from a safe and secure working environment.

John-Jo von Johnson, Colmore BID’s Community Operations Manager, is enthusiastic about the initiative. “We know that safety and security are top priorities for our businesses. ‘Cuppa with a Coppa’ gives people the chance to speak directly with their local officers in a relaxed setting, whether it’s to raise concerns, ask for advice, or simply get to know the faces behind the uniform. It’s about building relationships and making sure our community feels supported.”

The sessions are open to all businesses within the Colmore BID area and will be hosted at various venues across the district, including cafés, offices, and public spaces. Each event can be tailored to the needs of the local community, with officers on hand to discuss topics ranging from anti-social behaviour and business crime to personal safety and fraud prevention.

Inspector Scott Taylor from West Midlands Police added, “We want our officers to be visible, accessible, and part of the community. ‘Cuppa with a Coppa’ is a great way to do that. These conversations help us understand what matters most to people and allow us to work together to find solutions.”

The initiative has already received positive feedback from early participants including Three SnowHill, who praised the informal format and the opportunity to engage with police in a non-urgent, proactive way.

For many, it’s a welcome change from the traditional channels of communication, offering a more personal and immediate connection.

If you’re interested in arranging a “Cuppa with a Coppa” session for your business or team, simply email john-jo.vonjohnson@colmorebid.co.uk.