Offering people links to international destinations, it is fitting that Birmingham Airport sponsors the Export category at this year’s Birmingham Post Business Awards.
Chief executive Paul Kehoe explained one of the chief reasons for the backing is the honour that BPBA offers to companies aiding the economic success of the city.
He said: “The Birmingham Post Business Awards focus on local businesses, both established and start-up, that are contributing to the overall success of our economy and helping to attract trade and inward investment, and for this reason, we support this awards scheme.
“Being the business paper for Birmingham, the accolade that both the nominations and awards carry with them is a huge achievement to all that are involved.
More: Why top firms are sponsoring BPBA 2016
“The awards evening is also one of the main events in the city’s events calendar, where you can celebrate success and see the best of business in the city.”
Mr Kehoe also explained how he believes Birmingham helps business to thrive. He said: “It’s at the heart of manufacturing, has the biggest legal system and business support outside of the capital.
“It’s at the centre of a £110 billion regional economy and has the largest concentrate of businesses outside of London, with 2000 international firms and world famous brands such as HSBC, Deutsche Bank, JLR, Mondelez and KPMG.
“This success will only grow as the airport grows, HS2 arrives and more businesses realise the enormous benefits of relocating – as did HSBC and Deutsche Bank - and investing in Birmingham rather than the overheated, overpriced capital.”
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Mr Kehoe further explained that the BPBA export category naturally aligned with the airport’s own industry, because of it is global connectivity that supports export and trade.
He said: “We have sponsored the export award for many years now and enjoy learning about those companies which are exporting successfully from Birmingham – some of which rely on air travel to meet their business demands.
“It is therefore rewarding for our business to witness this success and we enjoy celebrating with all the finalists who have done exceptionally well to get to this stage.”
The airport celebrated its 15th month of consecutive record -breaking growth in May and experienced its busiest year ever in 2015, with 21.4 per cent growth in long haul traffic.
With this success in tow, Mr Kehoe concluded by explaining what the future holds for Birmingham Airport.
“Providing even greater connectivity to the destinations that our region’s business and leisure travellers want is a priority,” he said.
“Global connectivity supports trade and attracts inward investment, so we have a vital role in the Midlands to further improve this by growing access to long haul markets and helping to re-balance the UK’s economy.
“The debate continues on where additional runway capacity in the south east should go, but whatever the Airports Commission decides later this year, it will take 10 to 15 years before it is operational, and, in the meantime, Heathrow is full and more and more people want to travel from their local airport – so we have to take advantage of this enormous opportunity, as well as the benefits that HS2 will deliver for the city.”
How you can get involved with BPBA 2016
BPBA have grown in popularity to become one of the most important events in the region’s professional calendar with 650 in attendance last year and a record number of entries from more than 100 businesses.
This year’s gala will be held on Wednesday, October 26 at ICC Birmingham. Hosts will be comedian and TV personality Dominic Holland and ITV weather presenter Emma Jesson.
• To nominate your company go here
• For information on how to become a sponsor contact call Michelle Gardiner on 08453 31 30 31 or 07791 122627, or e-mail mgardiner@championsukplc.com
Birmingham Post Business Awards 2016
