Why creative industries are growing faster in Birmingham than anywhere else

Creative industries are growing faster in Birmingham than anywhere else in the UK, according to Birmingham City Business School Dean Dr Dawn Albery.

Dr Albery praised the city’s burgeoning artistic trade ahead of sponsoring the Professional Services Award at BPBA 2016 as the deadline for nominations approaches on July 29.

“With 5,800 creative businesses employing 34,000 people make the city an exciting place for arts and culture to thrive,” she said.

“The first factory in the world, the Soho Manufactory, opened here in 1766 and that spirit of invention and creativity remains to this day, with 14,152 new companies created in the city in 2015 – the highest number outside of London.”

Boulton & Watt's Soho Manufactory in Handsworth circa 1851

Dr Albery explained that sponsoring the Professional Services category at BPBA 2016 – which will take place at ICC Birmingham on October 26 – was a highly relevant fit to BCU’s plans.

“Finance and Services are a key area in our degree course portfolio at all levels,” she said.

“We offer a range of Accountancy and Finance programmes, all of which are accredited by several professional bodies including the ACCA, from which we have the accolade of Platinum approval, and we’re also currently developing some new and exciting courses at integrated master’s level.

“Birmingham City Business School connects with the vibrant and innovative businesses and organisations which are thriving in Birmingham, the UK’s second city.

“We’ve helped thousands of businesses of all sectors and sizes to develop and achieve their potential through research, consultation and collaborative projects. So, it makes perfect sense for us to support this outstanding event.”

Dr Albery added that BCU was amidst a raft of exciting developments.

“The University is mid-way through a £260 million investment programme, including a major expansion of its City Centre Campus - where Birmingham City Business is based in the new Curzon Building – together with ongoing development of existing sites,” she said.

“A new £56 million home for Birmingham Conservatoire is part of this expansion, which will feature five public performance spaces when it opens next year.

“A further £41 million investment in the University’s City South Campus will see the creation of specialist laboratories for its School of Health Sciences, offering a range of courses in nutrition, sport and biomedicine, and a new home for the School of Education, from 2017.

“With over 23,500 students from 80 countries, Birmingham City University is a large, diverse and increasingly popular place to study. The University puts students at the heart of everything it does, giving them the best opportunities for future success.”

All about the Professional Services Award at BPBA 2016

This Category covers a wide range of professional services including, legal and financial Services.

It receives a huge amount of interest year after year and 2016 is no exception.

In order to be successful in becoming a finalist for the category the companies must have demonstrable strengths in service excellence, business growth, innovation, technology, training and personal development.

The judges will be looking for a service company that has achieved and succeeded measurable business goals.

Four Birmingham-based businesses have already applied in the hope that they will be walking away with a prestigious award on the night.

These are:

Wealth Management company Henwood Court Financial Planning Limited

BRI Wealth Management

Accountancy firm Smith Cooper

Gemini Professional Financial Group

Birmingham Post Business Awards 2015 Guest Presenter Adil Ray (Citizen Khan)

How to enter before July 29 deadline

Nominations close at midnight on 29th July 2016. If you want to join these four businesses and put yourself in the running for an award in the Professional Services category, or any other, at this year’s Birmingham Post Business Awards then please visit here