Welcome to Birmingham

Welcome to Birmingham is back! Take a look at the programme below to see the events we have coming up this May.

Welcome to Birmingham was introduced in 2022 to support the many people- especially graduates and young professionals- who have joined organisations in the Colmore Business District, and more widely in Birmingham, in recent years. Due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19 and the shift to remote work, many of these new joiners won’t have experienced the traditional onboarding process that forms a key part of starting a new job. As a result, they are unlikely to be aware of Colmore BID and the events and activities it hosts to support young professionals in their careers.

We have worked with various partners including TAG Network Midlands, Liquid PR, Birmingham Future Faces and KPMG. 

What’s On?

Welcome to Birmingham is a series of events aimed at professionals who have started to work in Birmingham in the last three years. Welcome to Birmingham will explore how to get the most out of Colmore BID in terms of skills development, networking, and career progression.

This year, three different events are on offer, from a range of speakers to a personal branding session to easy-going networking events where participants can meet new people. The overarching aim of the programme is to facilitate skills development and foster new connections among like minded professionals, in turn helping the Colmore Business District to maximise its full potential.

Monday 20 May: Breakfast Networking Club at Albert’s Schloss, 8am to 9.30am

We are excited to announce that we will be hosting another of our quarterly Breakfast Networking Club events on Monday 20 May, as part of our Welcome to Birmingham series.

Are you ready to kickstart your day with a power-packed networking opportunity? Join us at the Breakfast Networking Club for an informal networking breakfast in the heart of the vibrant Colmore Business District.

Enjoy breakfast in a relaxed and informal setting while engaging in meaningful conversations. No formalities, just genuine interactions. This is a great chance to meet like minded professionals as well as trying a delicious breakfast dish at Albert’s Schloss; breakfast is the most important meal of the day after all!

· Connect with the Colmore Business District community: This networking breakfast offers a unique chance to engage with a diverse group of professionals from across the District.

· Meet peers: Meet a range of peers representing various industries and services in the District. Get insights into their latest trends, products and services that can benefit your business.

· Engage with leaders of the future: Colmore BID’s New Professionals working group is known for attracting exciting graduates and young professionals who will go on to become the city’s future senior leaders. This is your chance to network with like minded individuals.

We will be contacting all attendees to take pre-orders prior to the event. Admission is £5 (plus £1.13 Eventbrite fee), which includes breakfast and a non-alcoholic drink of your choice from the breakfast menu.

Tuesday 21 May: After-work Networking at the F1 Arcade, 5.30pm to 8pm

Why not come and join us for an evening of fun at the F1 Arcade, as part of the Welcome to Birmingham series? 

Here you will have access throughout the evening to play, meaning the team at the Arcade will run back-to-back races so anyone attending the event can jump on a race and potentially beat a director. 

You will also be treated to canapes and drinks, as well as an easy-going networking opportunity.

So, if you want to experience the ultimate networking evening whilst having some fun with other new professionals in the Colmore Business District, then don’t delay, book today!

Event timings:

• Arrival ready for a 17:30 start. The event will run with free playing simulators until 8pm. Food and drink will be served during this period accordingly and further drinks can be purchased during the evening from the bar area.

We will be contacting all attendees to take pre-orders prior to the event. Admission is £5 (plus £1.13 Eventbrite fee), which includes nibbles and a drink.

Thursday 23 May: Lunch and Personal Branding Session with PJ Ellis on 23^rd May from 12:30 until 14:00. Location TBC within the city centre.

Join us as we delve into the art of crafting a unique and authentic personal brand that sets you apart in today’s competitive world. Learn how to showcase your strengths, build a compelling online presence, and leave a lasting impression on your target audience.  

PJ will share valuable insights and practical tips to help you establish a strong personal brand that aligns with your goals and aspirations.  

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your career and seize new opportunities through the magic of personal branding. 

About PJ Ellis: Having read Law at the University of Birmingham, and then practising as a solicitor for 7 years, PJ has worked in the digital world for over 10 years. He was the founder of social media agency Blake7, which merged with Lightbox in the summer of 2018. He co-owned Lightbox, which was based in St. Paul’s Square and employed 17 full-time members of staff, until August 2023.

Away from business, PJ is an advocate of all things Birmingham (and an avid Birmingham City FC fan). Since 2012, PJ has helped raise over £750,000 for local charities and most notably,
he co-founded the charity LoveBrum in 2014, which shines a light on the “hidden gem” projects of our wonderful city. PJ became the first Charity Ambassador of Birmingham Dogs Home in February 2024. 

He mentors other entrepreneurs, has helped raise over £1m worth of funding for start-up businesses, is a Director of the Birmingham Law Society and sits on the advisory board of BPS Leaders, TedX, and the English Schools Football Association.  He also received a Points of Light award from the Prime Minister, which recognises outstanding UK volunteers in their community.

This event is free to attend and includes a light lunch. Places are limited, so please book in advance.