Edit Ozzy trams opens the - Mailbox hosts Peaky premiere - Retail Birmingham
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FREE • JUNE/JULY 2016
Mailbox hosts
Peaky premiere
Hundreds in city centre to see music
legend unveil tram in his name
Ozzy
opens the
trams
PAGE 2 Edit JUNE/JULY 2016
Edit magazine is brought to you by
FROM THE EDITOR
It’s been a long time coming for city centre retailers and businesses affected
Retail Birmingham is the Business by Midland Metro extension works, but here’s hoping for a bright future now the
Improvement District (BID) for service is up and running.
Birmingham city centre’s retail
area and has been supporting its And what better way of launching the new Metro extension from Snow Hill station
members since 2007, promoting, to New Street and Grand Central, than one of our most famous sons – the rock
enhancing and developing the legend that is Ozzy Osbourne – in the city to unveil a tram bearing his name.
shopping and leisure experience Edit magazine was there at the official ceremony to speak to the great man, who
in the city centre. appeared to be having a whale of a time meeting fans and chatting to reporters.
While the retail environment
is forever changing with the
We’ve covered the Metro extension and Ozzy’s visit inside this edition, along with all the other
challenge of shopping online, goings-on in the Retail BID area.
the Retail BID firmly believes You can find out more about the BID’s vote renewal process and consultation, after member
in supporting the shopping businesses fed back to the team what they would like to see take priority in the BID’s proposed third
experience delivered by retailers term. It makes for interesting reading.
in the city centre, maintaining
Birmingham’s position as the
We’re also doing our bit to highlight the brilliant independents who bring a touch of Brummie
regional capital for shopping. uniqueness – and great tasting coffee – to visitors and commuters every day.
I hope you enjoy the latest edition of Edit.
Retail BID Manager
Steve Hewlett
Stacey Barnfield
steve.hewlett@retailbirmingham.co.uk
FROM RETAIL BIRMINGHAM
Deputy BID Manager
Assia Sohaib
assia.sohaib@retailbirmingham.co.uk
Business Support Officer
Paul Barnett It has been a really busy couple of months for the Retail BID. We’ve been analysing
paul.barnett@retailbirmingham.co.uk the results of the BID3 renewal consultation and what you, our members, have been
telling us you would like to see happen in the next five years from 2017 to 2022.
Office: Suite 103, Cheltenham House,
Temple Street, Birmingham B2 5BG What is very clear is that you still want to see a clean, safe and promoted city centre,
Call 0121 643 3896 with events and activities which will continue to drive footfall, bringing in customers
Visit www.retailbirmingham.co.uk from further afield to be able to enjoy the ‘new Birmingham’.
www.shoppinginbirmingham.com
Twitter @ShoppinginBham
We now have such a great mix of world-class shopping centres, stores, bars and
Facebook ShoppingInBirmingham restaurants it gives us a great opportunity to really build a successful future together.
Instagram ShoppinginBham The Midland Metro extension is now open and it has been great to see the trams regularly running
up and down Corporation Street and people using the tram stops. To promote the city centre offer
Edit magazine is published by through the summer we are also about to launch a region-wide marketing campaign, both on radio
and online to attract customers during the school holidays.
The city centre will be adorned with 25 floral features the BID commissioned from the city’s
‘Chelsea Gold medal-winning’ horticultural team, which will really brighten up the streets after our
recent pavement deep cleansing programme. We’ll also soon be welcoming the amazing outdoor
photographic exhibition ‘Britain From The Air’ following our request to the Royal Geographic Society to
bring it to the city this Summer to help create a major visitor attraction throughout the retail area.
www.edwinelliscreativemedia.com
As always, the BID are here to help and assist you, so please do get in touch.
For more information, or for article
suggestions please email
stacey@edwinelliscreativemedia.com
Steve Hewlett, Retail BID manager
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy
of all content, the publisher takes no responsibility for
‘Piccadilly Arcade is a great community of
the accuracy of statements or content, and can accept no
liability for errors, omissions or any inconvenience. Please
check latest details with host venues if travelling to events.
independent stores and we all get on well’
Piccadilly Arcade focus Pages 18-21
Edit JUNE/JULY 2016 PAGE 3
Number of BID area charity
‘chuggers’ reduced by 70%
Retail BID members to
be consulted on impact
of new guidelines
Plans to reduce by 70 per cent the
number of face-to-face fundraisers,
known as ‘chuggers’, have been ap-
proved.
Birmingham City Council’s Licensing and
Public Protection Committee unanimously
agreed to sign a three-month agreement,
drawn up by the Public Fundraising As-
sociation (PFRA) to limit the numbers of
chuggers in the city centre.
The PFRA agreement will come into ef-
fect in July for the three-month trial period
during which Retail BID, working in part-
nership with the city council, will consult
with businesses to assess what impact the
reduction of fundraisers has on visitor and
shopper experience.
As part of the agreement a maximum
Mike Ferguson, Retail BID Birmingham Chuggers will only be able to operate on New Street, above, on
of 12 fundraisers will be able to work Wednesdays and Saturdays
across three zones on a given day (with board member and co-owner of Pic-
a maximum of four per zone) – with no cadilly Arcade-based Smithsonia, said:
fundraisers working on New Street on “Chuggers have become a major issue in
Wednesdays and Saturdays. the city centre and the Retail BID has been THE PFRA PROPOSAL:
It is hoped that by the autumn a further campaigning about it for some time, as it
reduction can be agreed to limit activity had gone beyond the point of saturation. n Reducing the number of fundraisers
to eight fundraisers (maximum of four per “Many customers have complained to per zone from six to four
zone), across two zones over two days. us about how the city centre had be- n No fundraisers to work on New Street
Fundraising teams of up to six people come a very unpleasant place because on Wednesdays and Saturdays
currently operate over seven city centre of how many chuggers were operating,
n No more than three zones to operate
zones including Broad Street, Bull Street, and how aggressive they often were in on any given day
Cherry Street/Union Street, Colmore Row, getting people’s attention.
“We’ve also learned about cases where n Only two zones to operate on
Corporation Street, High Street and New Wednesdays
Street, which include two zones. In total, charities would not receive any money
from the companies who employ chug- n No neighbouring zones to operate on
up to 42 fundraisers could be asking the same day Implementing a shorter
people to sign up to regular charity dona- gers to seek donations for as long as two
zone in Corporation Street to avoid it
tions on any given day. These proposals years.
overlapping with New Street
would see a maximum of 12 fundraisers “Hopefully, shoppers and visitors to the
city centre will now feel much freer to n Broad Street and Victoria Square no
operating in the city centre on permitted longer to operate as fundraising zones.
days – a reduction of 71 per cent. roam around without hassle.”
PAGE 4 Edit JUNE/JULY 2016 Ozzy and Cllr Clancy LEADER’S DELIGHT AS ‘FAMOUS SON’ BACK Joining Ozzy for the tram-nam- ing were Cllr John Clancy, leader of Birmingham City Council, and Cllr Roger Lawrence, chairman of the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority (ITA). Cllr Clancy said: “Birmingham is the birthplace of many great people but Ozzy really is one of our most famous sons and I am delighted he has joined us. “The opening of the Midland Metro extension will be fantastic news for the city and the region and having Ozzy here to unveil a tram bearing his name just adds star quality to it.” Cllr Lawrence said he was delighted that the Metro would be expanding further across Bir- mingham and the Black Country over the next few years. “These are really exciting times. The expansion of the Metro means future jobs and economic growth worth millions of pounds for this region,” he said. “We’ve already started work on extending the route on from New Street Station to Centenary Square to open in 2019 while another extension through Wolverhampton city centre to the bus and railway stations is also expected to be completed around the same time. “Funding has also been ear- marked to take trams to Edgbas- ton, while the route of another extension through Digbeth has also been finalised including to the planned HS2 station.”
Edit JUNE/JULY 2016 PAGE 5
Fans flock to see Ozzy
unveil his Metro tram
Music legend Ozzy Osbourne they stopped them and I hope this
rocked his native Birmingham as is a success.”
he unveiled a Midland Metro tram Commenting on his forthcoming
bearing his name. farewell tour with Black Sabbath, he
The Aston-born frontman of Black added: “We never thought back in
Sabbath received a hero’s welcome 1968 that we’d still be here, it’s been
from hundreds of fans who de- an incredible journey.”
scended on Corporation Street. The Metro extension will deliver
The tram was parked at a new more than three million people a
stop forming part of the city centre year directly into the heart of Bir-
extension that opened to passen- mingham’s main shopping district.
gers on Bank Holiday Monday. The Retail BID asked and arranged
Ozzy said: “It’s great to be here for Ozzy to be at the ceremony to
and it’s a great honour. Once a help drive the PR and awareness of
Brummie, always a Brummie. the tram.
“Every time I come to Birmingham Retail BID manager Steve Hewlett
there’s something new,” he added. said: “Having the Metro running is a
“It takes me a few minutes to guess great boost for city centre retailers,
where I am. The city changes all the we are really looking forward to the
time. It’s great. future. We welcome the customers
“I remember trams from when I it is going to bring and it was great
Ozzy on Corporation Street and the Metro tram with his name was a kid. I always wondered why to see Ozzy here too.”
PAGE 6 Edit JUNE/JULY 2016
Trams back on city
centre streets for
The Metro leaflet
METRO LEAFLET
EXPLAINS NEW
DELIVERY PLANS
first time since 1953
Retail BID businesses are being
alerted to changes to city centre
delivery access as part of the
Midland Metro extension.
Corporation Street, Stephen-
son Street and Upper Bull Street
are now access only with trams
operating in both directions on
Corporation Street and Stephen-
Midland Metro Tram services are now running to New
Street station as the city centre exten-
This extension is expected to create more
than 1,300 sustainable new jobs and boost
son Street. extension opens sion opened for business. the regional economy by more than £50
All deliveries to city centre loca-
tions along the tram route must
for business The Midland Metro extension from Bull million a year.”
Street to the station and Grand Central The Midland Metro runs between
be carried out at permitted times
shopping centre began operating at 8am Birmingham and Wolverhampton, serving
only and all delivery vehicles
must park in designated loading on Bank Holiday Monday. locations such as the Jewellery Quarter,
bays. Any vehicle that obstructs Trams are now running through the West Bromwich, Wednesbury and Bilston.
trams could be towed away. heart of the city centre for the first time The extension to New Street is part of a
A special leaflet has been since they were withdrawn in 1953. £128 million project that has also seen the
produced to advise businesses Cllr Richard Worrall, Metro lead member purchase of a brand new 21-strong fleet
and delivery services about the for the ITA’s transport delivery committee, of Urbos 3 trams, a refurbished depot at
changes with a map highlighting which oversees Centro, which is respon- Wednesbury and a new stop at Snow Hill
new traffic directions and loading sible for the project, said: “It’s wonderful station. It will deliver more than three mil-
bay locations. to see the Metro running all the way lion people a year directly into the heart
between Wolverhampton Birmingham of Birmingham’s main shopping district
The leaflet can be downloaded
New Street. and is expected to boost the West Mid-
by following the link at http://
centro.org.uk/transport/metro/ “It’s obviously great news for Birmingham lands economy by more than £50 million
- but also for the wider West Midlands. a year and create 1,300 new jobs.
Edit JUNE/JULY 2016 PAGE 7
Tram will go from
New St station to
Centenary Square
The Metro extension will see trams on Pinfold Street in the city centre
The next stage of the Midland Metro continue until it reaches the route termi-
extension through Birmingham city nus at Centenary Square.
centre will see trams travelling from Running between Wolverhampton
Stephenson Street to Centenary Square and Birmingham Centenary Square, the
in 2019. extension will offer a fast and frequent
Work has already begun extending the Top: Joe Micallef, left, and The plans for the Birmingham Cen- service with a tram operating every six
route from New Street Station to Cente- Adrian Berg of Balfour tenary Square Extension have been minutes.
Beatty, James Aspinall of developed in close co-operation with A new stop located in Victoria Square
nary Square, with services expected to Centro and Peter Coates Birmingham City Council and Retail BID. outside the Town Hall will provide
start running in 2019. of National Express West The £31 million scheme supports and access to the Town Hall, Birmingham
Funding has also been earmarked to Midlands break the banner complements city and regional plans Museum and Art Galleries, the Council
extend the route further along Broad on services to New Street for development and forms part of the House, the Paradise Circus develop-
Street, past Five Ways and on to Edgbas- with Cllr Stewart Stacey of
Centro strategy for the region ‘Towards ment and other existing commercial
Birmingham City Council,
ton by 2021. and Cllrs Richard Worrall a World Class Integrated Transport and residential properties in the vicinity.
The route of the extension through Dig- and Kath Hartley of the Network’. The Metro extension will help create
beth has also been chosen, running from West Midlands ITA transport The Birmingham Centenary Square Ex- a better connected city by helping to
Bull Street via Albert Street and on to the delivery committee tension will run from the new terminus establish world class public transport
forthcoming HS2 high speed rail station at stop on Stephenson Street outside New linking Centenary Square and Broad
Curzon Street. Above: Commuters using the Street Station, travelling along Pinfold Street with central Birmingham and
service at Bull Street Street and turning west onto Victoria New Street Station, Snow Hill and the
From there it would go along New Square, with a new stop to serve this Jewellery Quarter.
Canal Street and Meriden Street into area and the Town Hall. The scheme is also forecasted to
High Street Deritend, stopping at Digbeth From here, the extension travels along stimulate economic growth and help to
Coach Station and the Custard Factory. It Paradise Street to Paradise Circus then create jobs within the Birmingham City
is anticipated the line could be open by turns onto Broad Street, where it will Centre Enterprise Zone.
2023.
PAGE 8 Edit JUNE/JULY 2016
BID members have their
say on future of city centre
BID team analyses third-term consultation feedback
FOUND GUIDE
OUT IN JULY More than 90% of Retail BID members who visitors and customers online, in print and on
responded recommended street clean- street and continuing promotional and event
ing, public realm improvements, business work, to attract more visitors and shoppers.
The ‘Found’ guide to Birming- crime support and a safer city centre were Retail BID’s vision for its third term is to
ham’s independent businesses the priorities for the Business Improvement ‘promote and support businesses in the city
is due to be released in July. District’s proposed third term. centre’ by committing to:
The A5 guide is a joint project More visitor maps and marketing were also n Develop the Birmingham City Centre
between Retail BID Birmingham highlighted as areas the BID should focus on Experience to support our world-class retail
and leading city centre brand- between 2017-2022. offer, creating new opportunities for leisure,
ing agency ORB. Throughout March and evening economy and cultural businesses to
More than 20 illustrators, art- April this year, Retail BID thrive.
ists and photographers were gave every member the n We will make it easier for people to
commissioned to take part in opportunity to have their discover opportunities through strong
the Found project; each captur- say on how its next five-year promotion of businesses and experiences in
ing the city’s independent re- term can improve the city Birmingham city centre, online, in print and
tailers in their own unique way. centre. on street
The guide will be supported Every business received n We will support and encourage creative,
with a digital and online cam- a survey through Edit engaging events, and continue to promote
paign. magazine, via SMS service, the BID area.
ORB Creative Manager by email, and the Retail BID n We will work in partnership with Birming-
Naeem Alvi said: “Working on team visited as many members as possible ham City Council and other service providers
the Found 2016 directory with throughout April. on the maintenance and management of the
Retail Birmingham and so many Respondents held a good perception of the city centre, and monitor the delivery of sup-
talented creatives around Bir- city centre with 76% saying they considered port and enforcement services.
mingham has been an amazing the area a good place to shop, 69% saying n We will continue to give members a
experience.” the same as Birmingham as a place to relax voice on the management and maintenance
Assia Sohaib, Deputy BID and socialise, as well as run a business. of the City Centre, and provide one-to-one
Manager, said: “Found will be There is a relatively lower perception of the personal support to Retail BID Members.
the ‘must-have’ guide for shop- city centre as a place to use in the evening n We will lead the reimagination of New
pers and visitors, The Found however, with only 58% saying the experi- Street and further public realm improvements
highlighting all of guide front ence was at least good. across the Retail BID area
the independents in cover The BID business plan for the next five years Jonathan Cheetham, Chair of the Retail BID,
the retail area. follows three themes. said: “Retail BID has been a strong voice for
“The fresh new- The first is delivering the ‘The Birmingham its members since 2007, and will continue to
look guide will be Welcome’ with a safe, attractive and acces- support, network and represent businesses in
a boost to a sector sible city centre. The second is to continue Birmingham city centre throughout our third
that is a really ‘Business Support and Growth’, representing term.
important part of and networking members for their benefit. “Through this ‘voice’, Retail BID leveraged
the Retail BID and The third is to develop the ‘Birmingham Ex- over £1,200,000 in business support funds dur-
we plan to roll out perience’, taking in projects such as reimagin- ing our second term; by continuing to work
a strong marketing ing New Street as a place to enjoy and trade, as a single community, successes like this can
campaign to sup- creating a digital city centre that engages with be achieved again. As Retail BID ask you, its
port its release.”Edit JUNE/JULY 2016 PAGE 9
Latest wave of
RETAIL BID
ACHIEVEMENTS
street-cleaning
Business Support
£989,000 in leveraged
financial support for
members
gets under way
83,000,000 average
annual footfall in BID
area
£600,000+ additional
income
60 retail crime radios
38,000 texts to
members
Events & promotion
£4,600,000 in PR value
40 Events &
One of the Retail BID floral displays for last promotional
year’s Style Birmingham Live
campaigns
members, to follow us into a third term
320,000 Shopping
and vote yes between 19th September Maps distributed
to 27th October 2016, we can continue 14,000 Twitter
to be optimistic about the future. followers
“Birmingham city centre is a powerful 9350 Tweets
national anchor and regional capital 12,000 unique hits per
for shopping, with a broad range of month on ShoppingIn
services and opportunities on offer,” Birmingham.com
added Mr Cheetham. 1 BCSC Purple Apple
“There is continued investment in the Award
city from both public and private mon- 3 Style Birmingham A Ramora cleaner at work on New Street near Piccadilly Arcade
ey, and the city centre retains a healthy Live Events
balance of large-scale retailing (Bullring, 30,000 Celebration of Retail BID is continuing to invest in a city New Street
Grand Central, Mailbox) and unique Independents Guides centre street deep-cleansing programme Bennetts Hill
small and independent businesses that distributed to create a more welcoming, attractive High Street
create personality and points of differ- environment for visitors. Ethel Street
ence to the City Centre Experience. The work is being carried out by Ramora Union Street
“However we must not become The city centre
Ltd, a specialist industrial cleaning com- Lower Temple Street
complacent, Birmingham City Council 1 new wayfinding Lower Bull Street
system for Birmingham pany with a proven track record in the
still has to find nearly £250 million of removal of chewing gum and grime using Pinfold Street
savings from services already reduced 1 City Centre Retail Cherry Street
Strategy steam clean techniques and no chemical
or removed. Hill Street
agents.
“The Retail BID will ensure statutory 7 RHS & Chelsea Temple Row
Ramora were contracted to carry out John Bright Street
baselines are maintained to an accept- Flower Show Gold widespread street cleansing in the autumn
able standard through close partner- Medals Cannon Street
of 2015 with street-cleansing a key part of Navigation Street
ship working and we will continue 71% reduction in the BID’s proposed third term.
to provide additional benefits for chuggers Needless Alley
Over the coming months the following Carrs Lane
members. 100,549+ m2 cleaned areas will be cleaned with the busiest areas
“The need for the Retail BID as a Temple Street
960,000 pieces being cleaned twice. The cleaning will More Street Queensway
strong voice to protect and influence of chewing gum be during the evenings to minimise any Waterloo Street
the management of the city centre is removed disruption: Severn Street
clearer than ever.”
25 Floral featuresPAGE 10 Edit JUNE/JULY 2016
Peaky Blinders fans at the Mailbox red-carpet premiere of the third series of the drama, with stars of the show and creator Steven Knight (above, centre)
Stars at Mailbox for
city’s Peaky premiere
Red-carpet Peaky Blinders fans had the chance to (Tommy Shelby), Paul Anderson (Arthur
see the stars of the TV show and attend Shelby) and Packy Lee (Johnny Dogs),
event at an exclusive Birmingham screening of as well as the show’s producers and
Everyman the first episode of the third series at the writer/creator and Birmingham-born Ste-
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight Cinema Everyman Cinema at Mailbox. ven Knight, who arrived at the
The new series of the BBC screening in spectacular Peaky
Two cult drama Peaky Blinders Blinders fashion.
sees the famous Birmingham Steven Knight said: “I’m thrilled
gangsters going international, that the new series of Peaky
but not before the cast made a Blinders will be screened in its
special trip home to the city. heartland, Birmingham, and I
On Wednesday, May 4th, BBC hope the people of the city will
Birmingham welcomed the cast enjoy the event. The third series
of Peaky Blinders at an exclusive is stronger than ever.”
screening of the first episode of Local actors Jordan Airing on Netflix in the US,
series three. Bolger and Harry Peaky Blinders has garnered
At the red-carpet evening, the Kirton, who also critical acclaim, including five
starred on the catwalk
Retail BID board member and Mailbox head of marketing, David Pardoe, attending cast included Peaky at last year’s Style BAFTA craft awards and an RTS
left, City Leader Cllr John Clancy, centre, and BID manager Steve Hewlett Blinders actors Cillian Murphy Birmingham Live award for best drama series.Edit JUNE/JULY 2016 PAGE 11 Hats off to the return of BBC’s Peaky Blinders Great Western Arcade boutique flourishes as buyers seek flatcaps worn by the infamous Shelby brothers A Great Western Arcade shop owner the store fitting seamlessly into GWA’s has been relishing the return of Birming- array of independent stores, including ham-based drama Peaky Blinders to fashion retailers. BBC2. The shop features hand-selected That’s because Daisy Nyamie, founder headpieces from high-end designers like of Peter Forson hats and scarves, knew Borsalino, Vivienne Westwood, Nerida demand for her Stetson flat caps, as Fraiman, Maddox and Lara Bohinc. styled by the infamous Daisy also stocks Shelby family, would go Whiteley hats, the through the roof. brand of choice for Spring and summer Duchess of Cam- are busy periods for bridge, Kate Middle- Daisy, who built on her ton. successful online busi- “We’ve built up a ness, www.peterforson. strong online presence com, by opening the over the last three store last October. years and I couldn’t With the horse racing have asked for any- and wedding season more since opening getting underway, sales our first shop,” added Daisy Nyamie with a Stetson cap, above, and outside her store, below of her designer hats and Daisy, who named the lavish accessories are store after her mum’s also set to flourish. great uncle. “I usually sell around three or four Peaky “Attention now starts turning towards the Blinders-style caps every day but with the summer, with women considering what third series starting in May, they’re even to wear at Ascot, other race meetings and more popular,” said Daisy. weddings. “They sell well because I’m the only re- “This is where our one-off pieces, from tailer in the city that stocks the high-qual- UK and international designers, come into ity Stetson range, which David Beckham their own. wears. “Women take the fact their hat is unique, “I was running low and had to order that the milliner has only made that one, more in time for the show. I must stress very seriously. that mine come without the razor blades!” “The last thing they want is to go to As- Business has been brisk during Peter cot and bump into someone else wearing Forson’s first seven months of trade, with the same design.”
PAGE 12 Edit JUNE/JULY 2016
Award-winning coffee shop launches new
service to take drinks to any Midlands location
A multi award-winning Birmingham
coffee shop has developed a unique way
to expand its business – without need-
ing new premises.
Temple Row’s Six Eight Kafé, recently
named the city’s best café
in the Birmingham Mail’s
Brummies’ Choices Awards
for the second time, has
gone mobile with its new
‘Business Class’ venture.
Businesses can hire the full
Six Eight barista experience
for trade events, exhibitions
and networking functions
after owner Devinder Dhallu
invested in a modified
espresso machine.
“We can bring our award-
winning coffee to any
temporary location in the
Midlands,” said Devinder,
who describes how Six
Eight has grown from
humble beginnings into a
nationally-recognised cof-
fee shop inside five years as
a ‘David v Goliath’ triumph.
“We supply the barista,
Has Bean coffee beans,
milk and all the necessary
equipment. All we need is a
13 amp plug socket.
“The Business Class idea
developed after a company
rep, from Hexagon Manu-
facturing Intelligence, visited
us and said his company
wanted the best coffee in
Birmingham at their stand at
Espresso
the MACH 2016 exhibition at
the NEC.
“Hexagon wanted to stand
out and give their clients
something extra so that they
would think ‘if the coffee’s
Owner Devinder Dhallu, top, this good, the service must be too’.
and a Six Eight barista at “Word got round and for five days
work, above straight there were queues at the stand,
not just from visitors but fellow exhibitors.”Edit JUNE/JULY 2016 PAGE 13
Vero Software has also delivered a
glowing verdict after booking Business
Class for a recent exhibition.
Devinder says growing the mobile
service makes better business sense than
exploring the opening of a third shop,
An artist’s impression of the new
having launched an outlet at Millennium Primark Pavilions
Point last year.
“Around every two months, someone PAVILIONS CLOSES
pops in and invites us to open an- FOR REDEVELOPMENT
other coffee shop, but we would only
consider it if the proposal mirrored our Pavilions Shopping Centre has
strict ‘shared risk, shared reward’ model,” now closed to enable work to
start on a multi-million pound
added Devinder.
redevelopment, which will see
“We have developed a big reputation one of the largest Primark stores
for the quality of our coffee, but we are in the UK, open in late 2018.
one of the little men. There’s no big inves- Primark will completely re-
tor behind us. develop the existing centre to
“We opened during the recession, create a 150,000 sq feet store.
when we literally couldn’t give coffee The company will create four
away. floors of trading space as well as
“But through the hard work of our a pedestrian walk through from
baristas, we’ve earned local and national High Street to the forthcoming
recognition as an artisan coffee shop. I HS2 rail station at Millennium
Point.
was proud and embarrassed when GQ
BID manager Steve Hewlett
called us ‘legendary’ in a recent coffee said: “The Retail BID fully sup-
feature.” ports the move and look forward
Six Eight counts two victories at the to working with Primark and
UK national barista championship finals other retailers in High Street dur-
among its many accolades, and was also ing the redevelopment.”
named in The Independent’s top 50 cof- Primark plans to remain trading
fee shops in the country. Six Eight further at its existing New Street store
enhanced its reputation nationally when until 2018.
the BBC broadcast live six times from the The scheme has been designed
Temple Row branch in 2013. by Birmingham architecture
practice 3D Reid.
Head barista Connor Fox added: “We
Existing tenants such as H&M,
care passionately about the environment Marks & Spencer, Three and
and everything we produce comes from Thorntons are expected to stay
sustainable sources. at Primark Pavilions once the
“From the farmer to the roaster to the redevelopment is complete
barista, so much effort has gone into while Primark’s New Street store
delivery
every coffee bean we’re obliged to do will close.
each one justice.” Members of Birmingham City
Six Eight also runs coffee tasting and Council’s planning committee
brewing courses and hires out its speak- voted unanimously to approve
easy-style basement, also the venue for the redevelopment and were
particularly enthusiastic about
its new alternative/acoustic music nights. the views which will greet visitors
arriving at Moor Street Station
For more information about the Busi- and the new HS2 Curzon Street
ness Class service visit sixeightkafe. station.
co.uk/business-class/PAGE 14 Edit JUNE/JULY 2016
Special BID team
looks at banking
A special working party has been cre-
ated to discuss the issues faced by banks Working party will be led by Bank Manager Beth Freeman
and building societies in the Retail BID
area.
“It’s something I’m keen to do as Back in the 1970s Williams & Glyn’s
Recognising the importance of banking
part of Williams & Glyn’s ambition to Bank was seen as a bank that people
and finance in the city centre, the Retail
bring back the Bank Manager, and to liked and respected and the new
BID group is aiming to share best practice
be part of the community and get Williams & Glyn is aiming to build on
when tackling subjects such as fraud and
involved in local projects. this heritage when it returns to the UK
to discuss public realm matters in areas
“BID manager Steve Hewlett said he high street.
like New Street.
had an idea about having a separate RBS New Street is the first branch
Plans for New Street are at the heart of ‘It’s something working party for the main banks in in the area to adopt the colours,
Retail BID’s proposed third term and the I’m keen to do as the city, for us to get together to talk branding, decor and staff uniforms
BID is working with the city council on
a wide-ranging strategy for the historic part of Williams about common issues such as fraud, for Williams & Glyn.
when we can share best practice. A new feature in the branch is an
thoroughfare. & Glyn’s ambition “It will be good for us to get to- exposed brick ‘Heritage Wall’ featur-
Leading the BID banking group is Beth
Freeman, Bank Manager Future Williams &
to bring back the gether and get to know each other, ing nostalgic images of Williams &
Bank Manager, and as opposed to against each other. Glyn’s branches from the 1980s.
Glyn team at RBS New Street.
“We are competitors but we do “The idea was to bring along the
Beth recently joined the Retail BID board to be part of the have common issues and we’re all in heritage and great reputation Wil-
to become its first member who works in
banking. community and get the city centre,” added Beth. liams & Glyn’s carried,” said Beth.
RBS England and Wales is launch- “It was known as a bank at the heart
“The working party is a great idea and involved in local ing the new bank, Williams & Glyn, of the community.”
I’m delighted to head the group,” said
Beth.
projects’ in 2017. Born in Sutton Coldfield, Beth hasEdit JUNE/JULY 2016 PAGE 15
Three new aerial
images of city
centre for show
Beth Freeman, Bank Manager Future
Williams & Glyn team at RBS New TSB to open
flagship
Street, left, and the branch’s Heritage
Wall, above
worked for RBS for 25 years in a
variety of roles, which have taken
New Street
her to different branches such as
Edgbaston and Colmore Row.
branch
TSB has revealed plans to
She has been at New Street, the open a new flagship branch
area’s flagship branch, since June in Birmingham city centre.
2015. This is the first time TSB
“My new role as Bank Manager, will launch a new purpose
instead of Branch Manager, is more built site since it launched
of a public face to talk to custom- back on to the high street
in September 2013, with the
ers about their needs, whether it new branch opening its doors
be business banking, personal or to customers before the end
mortgages. of this year.
“We will also have the digital plat- With 58 per cent of
TSB customers saying it is Images on display at Royal Geographic Society, Kensington, London
forms people use, such as mobile
and our app, so people can choose important to have branches
near to where they regularly Retail BID is working with organisers of shots of Birmingham – while telling the
how they want to bank.” travel to, the new centrally this summer’s Britain From The Air street story of the UK’s geography and history.
Beth believes this is a great time to located branch at 131-132 New photography exhibition to commission Britain From The Air is a joint-project
be based in Birmingham, with Grand Street is ideally placed for three new aerial images of Birmingham between street gallery pioneers We-
Central transforming the city centre people living, working and city centre. communic8 and the Royal Geographical
and people’s perceptions of it. shopping in the city. The Retail BID has pulled off a coup by Society, and is supported by Craghop-
The new branch concept earning the right to host the prestigious pers outdoor clothing.
“I think it’s fantastic right now. I love
has been designed in exhibition in the city centre. The images are supported by text, data
Grand Central and what they’ve response to customer research
done with the station. and feedback. With TSB
The street gallery, featuring around and maps from the Royal Geographical
“I get the train to work and re- customers saying they want 100 giant aerial photographs, will swoop Society archives.
a mixture of face-to-face and into the city centre in mid-July for a two- Steve Hewlett, Retail BID manager,
member it being barricaded off for
digital services from their bank month stay to give the BID area added said: “We’re delighted to have secured
months and months and then on appeal for shoppers and visitors. sponsorship and been chosen as a
branch, this is what the new
the Monday morning it was opened branch is aiming to deliver. The exhibition, free to the public host city for Britain From The Air, which
up... it was like stepping into a new “With nine in 10 (87%) and accessible 24 hours a day, will be we feel will add value to the shopping
country! people requesting more displayed at the heart of the Retail BID experience and bring people into the
“It’s brilliant for the city and seems TSB Partners on hand to area, along New Street, Corporation city in its own right.
to be bringing in more people. help them, the human Street and High Street. “The images of Birmingham will un-
“All this has meant lots of work in touch and personal service Britain From The Air showcases doubtedly show how dramatically the
remains right at the heart of breathtaking and thought-provoking city has changed in recent years – for
the city but it all seems to be com- these branches,” added a
ing together right now.” landscapes – including the new aerial the better.”
spokesperson.PAGE 16 Edit JUNE/JULY 2016
Town Hall boss
backs city ‘visitor
experience’ plan
New chief executive Nick Reed believes a diverse mix of attractions
along with new Metro route can attract more visitors to city centre
The new chief executive of two of
Birmingham’s most important cultural
venues has welcomed a strategy to
create a stronger visitor experience by
connecting retail, dining and arts attrac-
tions.
Nick Reed took office at the world-fa-
mous Town Hall and Symphony Hall in
January and his appointment comes after
a year of unprecedented launches in the
city’s retail sector.
An enhanced visitor experience, which
means tourists spend longer in the city new terminus stop on Stephenson Street
centre by using a diverse mix of retail, outside New Street Station, travel along
dining or cultural attractions, is one of the Pinfold Street and turn west onto Victoria
key ambitions of Retail BID’s proposed Square, with a new stop to serve this area
third term. and the Town Hall.
The BID’s strategy emphasises the From here, the extension travels along
need for diversification to create a more Paradise Street to Paradise Circus then
rounded destination with leisure, family turns onto Broad Street, where it will con-
entertainment, food and beverage and tinue until it reaches the route terminus at
enhanced retail markets alongside out- Centenary Square.
standing public realm. Mr Reed believes Metro will help bring
Built in 1834 the Grade I Listed Town Hall in more visitors who have had to rely on
holds a special place in the hearts of Bir- car travel to the halls.
mingham residents, while Symphony Hall, “We see it (Metro) as a positive thing for
which celebrates its 25th anniversary this Town Hall and Symphony Hall,” said Mr
year, is recognised as one of the world’s Reed. “Anything that is going to improve
great concert halls. connections for us is a good thing. We
Both will soon benefit from improved rely on a catchment area within an hour’s
public transport services as the Metro drive time, but that’s just driving.
tram service extends across the city “If we’ve got more joined up communi-
centre. cations in the city it can only be good.
Town Hall and Symphony Hall Chief Executive Nick Reed The Metro extension will run from the “The bulk of our audience catchmentEdit JUNE/JULY 2016 PAGE 17
INSTA CITY
what our members
have been snapping
Bullring @hmvbirmingham have
a HUGE vinyl selection as well as
a range of turntables.
comes from the Midlands region,” he share the same objectives. We work well Birmingham’s celebrated
added. with trusts and foundations when we ask Town Hall is one of the
city’s most popular venues greatwesternarcade We’re not
“But if you look at what that means in ‘we do great things, please support us’. eggs-aggerating the scotch
terms of having a consistent and compre- “The other ‘ask’ is regarding our great eggs at Anderson & Hill might
hensive leisure offer in Birmingham, that performances where clients can entertain be the best we’ve ever had.
makes us attractive as a viable destination and we can get them behind the ‘velvet
for much further afield.” rope’. This is an important part of our
With huge reductions in public sector commercial mix.”
grants, Mr Reed is aware of the need to Just three months into his new role, how
find new commercial models in the arts is Mr Reed finding the new-look Birming-
and culture sector. ham?
“There is a spirit of co-operation and “It’s been fantastic,” he said. “I’ve been
reality in the culture sector and awareness in Manchester for the past ten years but
that things do need to change,” he said. went to school in Birmingham. To come
“In terms of the culture sector, the back is absolutely brilliant, to see the city
changing financial climate is demanding at a time of profound change for the
more resilience and economic indepen- better.
‘There was a
dence. “There’s no doubt that Grand Central and feeling of ‘here
tilt_brum Love Fridays :)
“These are two important buildings and New Street was a huge totemic hurrah for we are’ with a Especially that it’s a bank
we have to be culturally sensitive, aestheti- the city and it felt to me, observing that
cally sensitive and we have to work with from afar, there was a feeling of ‘here we renewed self holiday and it’s an @Omnipollo
harmonious commercial partners who are’ with a renewed self-confidence.” confidence’ takeover tomorrow!PAGE 18 Edit JUNE/JULY 2016 Voice for independent stores has been ‘pivotal’ during street works Piccadilly Arcade retailer welcomes community approach during New Street and Metro projects Being an independent trader, Mike countless other desirable objects, keep it clean and looking as good as Ferguson, who became a Retail has suffered from the Midlands Metro possible during all the works, includ- BID board member nine years ago, works diverting footfall away from Pic- ing dressing the streets with flower knows all about the challenges shop cadilly Arcade. displays,” he added. owners have faced in recent years. “The city will soon be in a better “We’ve also tackled issues regarding But he says having a voice has been place, but we’ve gone through so safety, beggars, rough sleepers, chug- pivotal in easing issues created by much upheaval to get there, which gers and noise. projects like the New Street Station has affected lots of people,” he “Not everything we want gets done and Midland Metro developments. added. but if we couldn’t put our case across “I was initially cautious about the “The Retail BID has worked on issues through the BID we’d be just talking Retail BID, thinking it would just be like pedestrian navigation and keep- amongst ourselves.” something else to pay for,” said Mike, ing the city looking half decent to Smithsonia, based in Piccadilly who runs Smithsonia in Piccadilly Ar- encourage people to visit.” Arcade for 34 years, has established cade, one of Birmingham’s oldest gift But Mike claims the board will soon a loyal customer base but Mike can and gallery shops, with wife Verity. be able to focus more on making never rest on his laurels. “But trying to establish a body to be improvements, rather than constantly “We source most of our gifts from the voice of independent retailers reacting to new problems. small UK-based designer makers,” he added up. “Things should get easier now the added. “There was no community among workmen have moved on and the “Our gifts are unique, cover a range the city’s numerous little businesses tram is running,” he said. of prices and are ideal for Christmas, and the Retail BID would be a forum “We’ll then be able to concentrate birthdays anniversaries, special occa- for building that. on the needs of the retail community, sions and whenever someone feels “After asking most of the questions rather than always problem solving, like treating themselves. at the initial meeting, I was invited and establish the next BID period, “Being established for so long, and onto the board – and they haven’t got which is up for renewal.” people knowing where to find us, has rid of me since! Mike highlights the introduction been crucial during recent times, es- “I really believe in its role. We discuss of way finder signs, city maps and pecially as we’ve also got new com- issues with decision-making public shopping guides among the BID’s petition from Grand Central shops. bodies on behalf of retailers.” successes. “We’re hoping footfall will increase Smithsonia, which sells silver jewel- “A lot of money has been spent on with the tram operating on our lery, handmade glass, bronzes and marketing the retail offer, battling to doorstep.” OVER THE PAGE: FOCUS ON EXPANDING PICCADILLY CAFE FACULTY
Edit JUNE/JULY 2016
NOV/DEC 2015 PAGE 19
15
Smithsonia
co-owner
Mike Ferguson
became a Retail
BID board
member nine
years ago
Be At One has opened in a former snooker hall in Stephenson Street
New cocktail bar for a
‘bonkers, unique space’
Cocktail-lovers will be outside of London, has cre- nine weeks of training – cost-
‘cueing up’ to try the 150 con- ated 18 jobs for homegrown ing £5,000 each. Customers
coctions available at a new bartender talent, who will will be acknowledged within
Piccadilly Arcade bar. show off their skills behind an five seconds of reaching the
Be At One made its Birming- eight-station bullnose bar. bar.
ham debut when it opened its The 4,000-square-foot “To my knowledge no-one
Stephenson Street doors on sub-basement is designed to else invests so much in
May 12, after transforming the remain ‘intimate, warm and training bartenders and it’s
ex-snooker hall beneath the pretentious-free’. important we employ local
popular precinct. “It’s a bonkers, unique talent,” added Steve.
Blended specialties like space and we feel it’s perfect “They understand the
Popster, topped with sweet for Birmingham,” said Steve market’s nuances. We’ve got
and salty popcorn, and Locke, who co-founded Be At a great team. They’re crazy,
reimagined classics such as One with fellow bartenders but in a good way!”
Gin Re-Fashioned feature on Rhys Oldfield and Leigh Miller Customers can utilise Be
one of the industry’s largest 18 years ago. At One’s award-winning
cocktail lists. “Birmingham is one of our smartphone app, with a
There are even healthy biggest units and a major step personalised ‘Appi Hour’ and
options in the virtuous range, for us. The city has a thriving a random daily £5 cocktail
which contain less alcohol cocktail scene and we are available through the ‘Be Ap-
and sugar. Beetroot juice, ma- very excited about joining it. pventurous’ feature.
nuka honey and carrot juice “We’re consistently refining Private cocktail masterclass-
are among the ingredients our menu, and testing the es, where guests can learn
used to create Beetroot Re- drinks, to keep improving how to mix Be At One cock-
tox, Bee’s Knees and Flame- them.” tails through games, races
Haired Vixen respectfully. The focus on customer ser- and shake-offs, are available
Be At One’s 31st site, and 12th vice sees bartenders undergo all year round.PAGE 20 Edit JUNE/JULY 2016
Bright future
for historic
city arcade
Faculty feels at home Small remains beautiful for a coffee
and tea shop nestled among Piccadilly
among Piccadilly Arcade’s array of independent stores.
Arcade’s mix of The growing reputation of Faculty belies
independent stores its intimate home for just over two years
in the historic precinct, which runs be-
and boutiques tween Stephenson Street and New Street.
Piccadilly Arcade was built in 1910 as a
picture house before being
converted into an indoor
shopping strip 16 years later.
The original shop fronts
have survived and Faculty
and sister business Sixteen
Bakery/Kitchen are ac-
companied by jewellers,
a beauty salon, cobbler,
tailor and flower, gift and
outdoor clothing/equip-
ment shops.
The arcade boasts
spectacular ceiling art,
with ‘A Life in the Year of
the Chinchillas’, painted by
Faculty’s Geoff Paul Maxfield in 1989, depicting the four
Lam and Craig seasons as a metaphor for the life cycle.
Bush inside the Word of Faculty’s brews and cakes
cafe
has spread far beyond the picturesque
arcade, yet owner Geoff Lam and busi-
ness partner Craig Bush have resisted the
temptation to expand.
Their only development work has seen
the wall between Faculty and Sixteen de-
molished to provide extra seating options
for both sets of customers.
Geoff’s wife Lucy ran and produced
the baked goods for Sixteen, which sellsEdit JUNE/JULY 2016 PAGE 21
‘We’re based in a very
interesting area, with lots of
interesting shops. Now the
tram’s working, the pendulum
will hopefully swing the other
way and we’ll see a further
benefit to the area’
is as open as possible so customers aren’t
afraid to ask questions about how we’re
making their drink.”
Taste is king at Faculty, which also sells
retail beans and brewing equipment, like
V60 kits. Customers can even sup at an old
school desk, donated by a former home-
schooling teacher.
“Since opening, our main focus has been
getting Faculty running smoothly and be-
ing the very best it can be,” added Craig
who, like Geoff, is a fully-trained barista.
“We aim to extract the best flavours out
of our coffees. Our baristas are constantly
exploring the best ways to serve drinks to
give us that extra edge.
“We also offer tips on how customers can
get the best out of their home brewing
experience.”
sandwiches, toasties, quiches, cakes, With new gates and improved lighting
soups and salads, until the recent birth of planned, the future looks bright for Pic-
their second child. cadilly Arcade – after a challenging recent
“Piccadilly Arcade is a great community past.
of independent stores and we all get on “With the tram works on Stephenson
well,” said Geoff, who ran Saint Caffe in St Street, which had started well before we
Paul’s Square for eight years. opened, it’s been tough at times,” added
“We all offer something different but it’s Geoff.
important we keep spreading the word. “But we’re hoping the worst is behind us.
A lot of people still don’t know the arcade Things have been great since the redevel-
exists. oped New Street Station opened, which
“We opted for a small unit because we has been a real boost for the arcade.
wanted an intimate and friendly atmo- “We’re based in a very interesting area,
sphere, where customers can relate to with lots of interesting shops. Now the
our staff. tram’s working, the pendulum will hopefully
“We’re quality focused and put care and swing the other way and we’ll see a further
time into making every drink. The layout benefit to the area.”PAGE 22 Edit JUNE/JULY 2016
The most recent Shopping
Birmingham map featured new
destinations such as Grand Central
NEW SHOPPING
MAP DUE FOR
AUTUMN RELEASE
City centre businesses will
benefit from a new Shopping
Birmingham map, which is due
for release in the autumn.
The folded pocket-sized map
will be the fourth version of the
Retail Birmingham-commissioned
guide and will feature new retail-
ers and other venues that have
opened in recent months.
All the major retail and leisure
destinations, attractions and
services will be shown on the
Shopping Birmingham map with
grid references and index to help
visitors find their favourite shop,
café, bar, restaurant or hotel.
Independents and arcades will
also be highlighted to show visi-
He’s a dedicated
tors where they can find unique
and specialist stores, bars and
coffee shops.
The map links with the pedestri-
an way-finding panels through-
out the city centre and will have
follower of fashion
a print-run of over 200,000
copies. It will be distributed to all
major hotels, transport hubs and
visitor centres across the region
as well as being made available
to members to distribute to
customers.Edit JUNE/JULY 2016 PAGE 23
Moss Bros manager Dave
Singh tells Edit about
his store’s refit and how
the brand is appealing to
younger buyers
A city centre store looks tailor-made
for further success as it capitalises on the
increased footfall travelling past its front
doors.
Moss Bros, on the corner of New Street
and Temple Street, will look as sharp as its
ever-evolving menswear when it under-
goes a mini refit later this year.
Around £300,000 was spent on the
first phase of the store’s revamp three
years ago and general manager Dave
Singh hopes the second stage will further
increase its customer base.
Moss Bros has overcome a challenging
few years caused by the New Street Sta-
tion revamp and Midland Metro expan-
sion.
But the redevelopment works have
ended up playing into the store’s hands.
“Business is very good – our sales figures
are improving year upon year,” said Dave,
who has been with the company for
seven years. Pictures: Dave Singh, – a unique outfitting service that pro-
“We’ve had to work hard. Like many city general manager of duces personalised suits for individuals or
centre retailers, all the redevelopment Moss Bros on the groups.
has made life difficult. It has impacted on corner of Temple Street
and New Street
“Tailor Me is for the more discerning
footfall. shopper – no-one else on the high street
“When the Midland Metro work is fin- offers this,” added Dave, who is organising
ished, it will help bring in more shoppers a Tailor Me networking event in June.
– it’ll be a novelty for anyone who has “We have 80 different cloths that can
never been to a city with a tram. be made into suits in skinny, tailored or
“But we’ve had months with a big hole regular fits and personalised with different
outside our front door. Although we ap- coloured stitching, lining, monograms etc.
preciated what was coming at the end of “It’s proving very popular with couples
it, it’s been a testing time. “On the back of that major refit, we wanting to make their wedding day more
“We’re now benefiting from having the again improved our stock package to ap- unique. We turn group orders around in
doors to New Street Station in front of us. peal to our three main markets – fashion 30 days and each member can order
Instead of going down the old Pallasades contemporary, fashionable and the guy their desired fit.
ramp, many of the guys who work in the who comes in and buys the same black “It’s vital we offer this service as our
city’s offices, our key customers, now walk or blue suit. ‘Fashion younger clientele are used to having
past our doors.” “We’ve done well not to alienate any of is always more choice.”
Dave says the impending mini-refit will our older customers while moving with Dave is a big advocate of the ongoing
help Moss Bros keep pace with new the times. evolving. If Birmingham transformation.
trends while retaining its appeal to long- “Fashion is always evolving. If you don’t you don’t “I love Brum,” he added.
term customers. move with it, you get left behind. BHS is a move with it “We’re known historically as the Second
“Before 2013, business was improving good example of that.” City and there’s loads happening here,
but we still looked like a more traditional Another key factor in Moss Bros’ success you get left and lots and lots to do. We need to keep
outfitter,” he said. has been the introduction of ‘Tailor Me’ behind’ shouting about it.”You can also read
