BUSINESS NEWS
since 1552, have become patrons of Birmingham Chamber. The foundation, which is a
King Edward Foundation becomes Chamber patron T
he schools of King Edward the Sixth, part of the fabric of Birmingham
‘Many of our pupils pursue careers in the Birmingham City region – as employees and employers’
registered charity, supports eight successful secondary schools and has joined the Chamber to forge a closer understanding of what business wants from schools. The foundation’s two independent schools, King Edward’s School (boys) and King Edward VI High School for Girls, are selective and have free and means-tested places as well as substantial academic and musical scholarships. Five of the foundation’s six academies are also selective and free: King Edward VI Aston School (boys), King Edward VI Camp Hill Boys’ School, King Edward VI Camp Hill Girls’ School, King Edward VI Five Ways School (mixed) and King Edward VI Handsworth School (girls). The sixth academy is a free comprehensive school serving its local community: King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Academy. A high proportion of pupils from the independent and selective academies go on to the best universities. These schools are particularly strong in key areas such as science, mathematics, languages and many students go on to study Medicine, Engineering and other scientific subjects. John Collins, secretary to the foundation, said: “It is our belief that we
produce young men and women with the intellect and skills which are much valued in the jobs market – their talents are important for the development of the local community and nationally. But we are keen to ensure that we fully understand what businesses require from their local schools.
Boys at King Edward’s School hard at work
“Many of our pupils pursue careers in the Birmingham City region – as
employees and employers – but many also travel to other university cities and develop their talents elsewhere. Perhaps many more will be tempted to stay and create wealth for the good of the Birmingham City region if we establish closer links with local business. “We also wish to dispel some of the misunderstandings about our eight schools. They do not all charge fees, and those that do have many free and assisted places. They are all excellent and the selective schools feature highly in national league tables of academic success – but they are not just exam factories. They produce well-rounded adults who wish to make a positive contribution to society. Above all, the schools are open to all children irrespective of background. We are committed to excellence in all that we do and wish to play our full part in the civic life of the city. Patronage of the Chamber seemed an obvious way in which we might advance our aims”
Doug Wallace, PR and events manager at MG Motor UK, pictured centre with Chamber patrons
Members enjoy historical tour of MG BY SUE COOKE
Birmingham Chamber patrons were able to take a historical look at MG Motor UK and Longbridge throughout the years and witness the exciting future for the motor company which employs 400 people, including 300 engineers. During a tour of the company, patrons saw Lord Austin’s
10 CHAMBERLINK OCTOBER 2012
original office which remains a cultural part of the site along with the MG Museum. But is was future plans that
impressed patrons. In 2012, more than 600 cars were sold, more than in any year since the old MG Rover firm went under. There are now around 1,000 MG6 models on UK roads and selling them are five new dealerships. MG says more dealerships are in the pipeline.
Patrons were offered the opportunity to test drive the MG6, winner of the What Car? 2012 security award. Two models were launched mid 2011, the MG6 GT fastback and the MG6 Magnette sports saloon. MG promises a 1.9 litre diesel for the range later this year. Next year MG is to launch the MG3, a car which will be designed and engineered in Birmingham.
Final assembly, quality control and sign-off of UK cars are carried out at the Longbridge plant. And Europe will get a taste of British designed and engineered cars as the company begins to export in 2013. To retain skills, MG has launched
an advanced training programme and has taken on five post- graduate engineers and a general apprentice.
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