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National Express West Midlands bus passengers are paying by contactless for the first time. The bus company has started a


trial on its X1 and X2 services between Birmingham and Solihull. Peter Coates, managing


director of National Express West Midlands, said: “The trial is going well. Drivers tell me that passengers boarding at the airport are using the new card readers. We think people who’ve just arrived in Birmingham need an alternative to cash payments – they may not have the right change or even the right currency. “We know from running the


Midland Metro tram that our customers like contactless. Over two thirds of our customers tell us they like it because it's quicker.” The state-of-the-art


technology will start appearing on Coventry buses later this year, followed by the rest of the West Midlands 1,600-strong fleet over the next two years.


Ludgate Finance has announced the appointment of a new associate, David Sides. The firm specialises in raising


business loans in the fast-growing peer-to-peer lending market which brings together borrowers and savers directly through a web-based auction system. Associates are supported by


the company to identify businesses who would benefit from peer-to-peer finance and introduce them to expert support. The appointment of


Shrewsbury based David Sides takes the Ludgate Finance team to five associates in addition to the three founding directors. Director Steve Grice said:


“David has extensive experience in advising property professionals, business owners and individuals on funding solutions. He has an excellent network of business contacts and he will now be able to add peer-to-peer finance expertise to the range of services he can offer.”


Competition Winner April 2017 issue


Adam Maguire of Shoosmiths LLP won the April competition prize of exclusive use of one of The Plough’s rooms at ‘Next Door’ for up to 10 people including lunch and light refreshments.


58 CHAMBERLINK May 2017


Masterplan takes shape for regeneration project


One of the largest city centre regeneration opportunities in Europe has taken a major step forward following the appointment of leading real estate company Cushman & Wakefield to masterplan and dispose the site. Birmingham City Council has


appointed the company to regenerate the 14 hectare Smithfield market site, home of the city’s wholesale market. The overarching vision for Birmingham Smithfield is for a landmark, sustainable, mixed use development. It will include: a vibrant market and leisure hub, supported by independent retailers, restaurants and hotels; a lively public square; a wide pedestrian boulevard allowing people to easily access other parts of the city; integrated public transport and a residential neighbourhood offering modern, sustainable homes in a green setting. Cushman & Wakefield will be


working to evolve the masterplan with Birmingham City Council and launching the search for a delivery partner.


Designated an Enterprise Zone in


2012, the regeneration of the site will act as a catalyst for the


The proposed plans for the regeneration of the Smithfield market site


transformation of Birmingham’s wider Southern Gateway Area. David Tonks, head of Cushman & Wakefield’s Birmingham office, said: “The Smithfield market site is one of the key regeneration opportunities in Europe. The site is well placed to capitalise on the rich history of the area with close proximity to the city’s world class retail offer, the creative hub and the future High Speed 2 terminus.”


Councillor John Clancy, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Smithfield is without doubt one of the most exciting regeneration opportunities in Birmingham for years and will turn the area into an exciting and vibrant addition to the city centre. Crucially, Smithfield will deliver jobs, homes, and modern public spaces and play a crucial part in the ongoing transformation of the Southern Gateway Area.”


The big bugbears of job hunting


Candidates in Birmingham are growing increasingly frustrated with job hunting, according to new research. A study from job site CV Library


claims over half (56.6 per cent) of Brummies admitted to disliking looking for a new job. In fact, the study, which asked


1,200 of the nation’s workers what their biggest bugbears were when it came to looking for work, found that there are key areas which workers in Birmingham hate the most. The top taboos were a lack of


response from recruiters (55.6 per cent), long application processes (47.8 per cent), tailoring their CV and cover letter for different roles (30 per cent), being hassled by recruiters


Looking for work can be a stressful and time-consuming process


(21.1 per cent) and vague updates from the recruiter (16.7 per cent) Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, said: “Looking for work can be extremely stressful, especially if you don’t have enough time to fill in application forms.


“Worse still, a lack of relevant positions, low response rates to applications and being turned down at the last minute can really knock your confidence and leave you feeling like you’ve hit a dead end.


“Some of the taboos outlined in


our research are unfortunately part and parcel of looking for work and simply can’t be avoided. Setting aside dedicated time to look for work will help to ease some of the pressures and often, exploring different avenues at once, can pay off. “It’s important to be patient in


your job hunt and remember that it can take time – but it should be worth it in the long run once you’ve found your dream job.”


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