Chamber Podcast

Chamber CEO Henrietta Brealey and Professor Anne Green from City-REDI explore key economic trends in Greater Birmingham, ahead of 2024 Birmingham Economic Review

They explore the region’s economic growth, business confidence, and the challenges posed by economic inactivity, as well as the impact of political shifts at both national and global levels.

The pair also delve into the importance of inclusive growth, innovation, and the transition to net zero, focusing on the role businesses play in driving sustainable practices.

Tune in for expert insights on the city’s economic future, from investment opportunities to critical infrastructure projects like HS2.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce head of policy Emily Stubbs is joined by Suzie Branch Haddow, vice principal of external development at BMet College and Chair of Skills West Midlands and Warwickshire, Paul Cook, CEO of Hereward College, and Tracy Bishop, regional manager at Whitbread, for an in-depth conversation on supported internships as part of the Growth Through People campaign.

Together, they explore how these programs are creating pathways for young people with disabilities, addressing skills gaps, and fostering inclusive workplaces, while providing real-world insights for employers aiming to enrich their workforce with diverse talent.

Chamber CEO Henrietta Brealey and Professor Anne Green from City-REDI at the University of Birmingham take a deep-dive into the Birmingham economy ahead of the launch of the 2023 Birmingham Economic Review. 

They discuss a host of topics which are covered in the report - from the impact of rising inflation and cost of living on businesses and consumers, to labour market trends and net zero.

Henrietta and Anne also talk about the overall business confidence in the city-region, as well as asking 'how resilient and adaptive is Birmingham's economy?'

The third episode of our 2023 Growth Through People mini-series focuses on attracting and engaging talent - and how employers can work closer with education providers to meet skills needs.

The Chamber's policy and projects manager Emily Stubbs is joined by Anshu Williams, South and City College Birmingham's assistant director - Employer Engagement and Placements.

Anshu discusses some of South and City's initiatives to collaborate with employers and, in turn, help address some of their skills and talent needs.

She also reveals how employers are working with the college to develop and evolve the curriculum.

Growth Through People is the annual productivity and leadership campaign, delivered by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and a range of partners, including headline sponsors Aston University, South and City College Birmingham and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

More on Growth Through People:

https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/research-campaigning/growth-through-people/

The second episode of our 2023 Growth Through People mini-series focuses on business support, economic growth and addressing the skills and employing gap facing the West Midlands. 

The Chamber's policy and projects manager Emily Stubbs is joined by the West Midlands Combined Authority's head of economic development and delivery Paul Edwards and director of employment and skills Clare Hatton. 

They discusses the West Midlands' Plan for Growth and how businesses and government can support the regional economy. 

They also address the much-debated skills shortage across the region - including which industries are suffering, what the WMCA is doing to help firms bridge the gap and how devolution can further support skills development.

Growth Through People is the annual productivity and leadership campaign, delivered by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and a range of partners, including headline sponsors Aston University, South and City College Birmingham and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

More on Growth Through People:

https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/research-campaigning/growth-through-people/