SECTOR FOCUS: ENTERPRISE
Academy up for an award A
Birmingham enterprise academy that specialises in getting its students
out of the classrooms and onto the shopfloor has been shortlisted for one of the education sector’s most prestigious awards. Birmingham Metropolitan
College’s enterprise academy (BMet EE) is in the running for the Times Educational Supplement (TES) Further Education (FE) Award for ‘outstanding entrepreneurship in learning and skills’. The award is made for an education or training provider that has “embedded entrepreneurial activities into the fabric of their institution”. The winner will be announced at a ceremony at Birmingham’s NEC on 15 November. The enterprise academy has set
Bakeware selling like hot cakes A Birmingham-based
manufacturer is hoping to cash in on Britain’s new found obsession with baking, which has been brought about by the hit TV show ‘The Great British Bake Off’. Birmingham-firm Utensa, one of
only three in the UK which manufactures high quality volume bakeware, is among those who have seen orders and enquiries rise. Jerry Griffiths, sales director at
the Hay Mills business, said that there had been an upsurge of interest in baking in the UK. “In times of recession people
Chasing an award: BMET enterprise academy’s Phil Millard and some of his students
out to give its business students a taste of life in the world of work via a programme of work experience internships and mentoring opportunities. Academy director Jane Smith said: “It’s fantastic that the academy’s ethos and the achievements of our scholars have been recognised by this nomination. “We’ve enjoyed tremendous success this year -
‘It’s fantastic that the Enterprise Academy’s ethos and the achievements of our scholars have been recognised by this nomination’
scholars to liaise with many of the city’s young professionals. “Scholars also completed summer internships at a
range of businesses including Barclays Wealth, EON, Glide Utilities and FleetMilne Residential. “Experiences like these have encouraged them to
raising over £27,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital and working with Birmingham Future to enable
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE A Bonding experience
Businesses that rent office space from The Bond Company are not just tenants - they’re part of a thriving community. Charities, design and marketing companies, social enterprises and non-
profit organisations have all taken up residence in The Bond Company’s city centre five sites, situated in the restored historic buildings next to the Grand Union canal. Within this urban oasis, all enjoy 24-hour security, tenant and visitor parking and the opportunity to relax and enjoy a drink or bite to eat at the friendly on-site Café. Those clients who are only renting one of the seven flexible conference
rooms, suitable for all types of events and meetings and always in demand, also have access to the same range of services. “Based on our predicted figures we about to enter our best ever financial
quarter,” reveals Professor Tony Collier, one of The Bond Company’s three directors. “We are currently recruiting more staff and upgrading our conference room facilities. “We have recently completed a large set of bookings for Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations autumn training courses and the rooms remain popular with Birmingham City Council and well known charities.” It was in 1988 that Tony teamed up with Tim Davies and Peter Southgate
to launch The Bond Company in Birmingham. “We began with just two sites and gradually acquired more which have been carefully renovated to maintain the original character features while providing suitable office accommodation,” explains Tony. “In the last six years we developed the conference facilities, with the latest technology available for presentations and meetings, and an on-site catering team.” Now there is also the support of a core team of experts, led by
operations manager Jackie Marwaha, who works closely with the directors to achieve quality of service on all sites. Tony adds: “We are looking forward to the future knowing that we have
already played a major role in Birmingham's renaissance.” “We aim to continue to create a community of diverse interests centred on this historic and attractive part of Birmingham, helping to make the city a great European centre for culture, creativity and enterprise.”
MEETING ROOMS, CONFERENCES & EVENTS
Our newly expanded facilities provide a comprehensive service for all occasions from busy one day conferences seating 200 with 12 separate breakout spaces to small private meetings. Our major function suite Waterside overlooks the Grand Union Canal.
• Board Meetings • Training Sessions • Interviews • Networking Events • Lectures & Seminars
• Exhibitions • Fashion Shows • Annual General Meetings
• Private Parties
PLUS: FLEXIBLE, COMPETITIVE OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE TO LET
THE BOND COMPANY, 180 - 182 Fazeley Street, Birmingham, B5 5SE Tel: 0121 766 7400 • Email:
info@thebondco.net www.thebondco.net
OCTOBER 2012 CHAMBERLINK 45
demonstrate their potential along with their desire to succeed in business.”
tend to bake more, which is good for us,” he said. “We recently attended the International Autumn Fair at the NEC, and were very pleased with not only the orders placed, but the potential contacts that we made.” Utensa has its roots in the old Birmingham firm of Dunnetts, which was founded in 1885 and became known over the years for its range of ovenware products. Utensa was originally a distributor of Dunnetts products, but when the latter went into administration in early 2009, it moved quickly to buy the stricken company’s plant and machinery, and resume production.
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