Chamber Patrons Chamber Patrons Greater Birmingham Chambers’ leading supporters


Anthony Hilton: Reducing bacteria


Making reusable cups germ-free


Antimicrobial reusable coffee cups are safer to use than ordinary plastic reusable cups, according to research undertaken at Aston University. The researchers, who


compared ordinary plastic coffee cups to specially- developed antimicrobial cups, found the antimicrobial technology inhibited growth of most common types of bacteria by more than 99 per cent. The reduction in residual


bacteria was found on the external and internal lid and on the inside of the cup. The popularity of reusable


cups has rocketed in recent years, with major coffee chains offering discounts on drinks to incentivise their use. However, independent


studies by Aston University and Public Health England have shown that reusable cups are a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria if they’re not cleaned properly. Scientists measured the


bacterial loading recovered from eight ordinary reusable coffee cups, then compared them with coffee cups containing Biomaster antimicrobial technology. The antimicrobial


technology was found to deliver the most effective reduction in the residual level of bacteria on the external and internal lid and internal surfaces of the cup. Anthony Hilton, professor of


applied microbiology at Aston said: “Bacteria can easily grow on the inner surfaces of a reusable coffee cup unless it is washed after use. Antimicrobial technology built into the drinking vessel significantly reduces the opportunity for bacteria to grow.”


36 CHAMBERLINK April 2019 By Dan Harrison


HS2 is vital to improving connectivity and rebalancing the UK economy, according to the high-speed rail project’s new chair. Speaking at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce patrons lunch, HS2 Ltd chair Allan Cook stressed the importance of completing the full ‘Y’ network of HS2. Phase 2a will extend the railway


to Crewe, while Phase 2b will connect the West Midlands to Leeds and Manchester, before HS2 trains re-join the existing rail network to continue up towards Scotland. Guests at Opus restaurant were


told how the project is more than just a railway and will tap into the talent, skills, technology and innovation across the whole country. Over 7,000 jobs have been


created by the project and around 2,000 companies are already supporting HS2, with hundreds of these based in the Midlands. The patrons lunch was


sponsored by LM-JV, a joint venture between construction firms Laing O’Rourke and Murphy appointed to deliver the early works for HS2 in the West Midlands. Mr Cook, who became HS2 Ltd chair in December, said: “This is not


Richard Kirkham from LMJV, Allan Cook, Chamber president Saqib Bhatti and Paul Faulkner


just a railway. This is an economic regeneration, a balancing of the economic position within the UK. “If we as a country are going to


develop and achieve the growth that we need to remain competitive within the international market, we have to tap into the talent, the innovation, the technology, the skills, the education, not just in the Home Counties, or in Birmingham or Liverpool, but everywhere. “We want the West Midlands to


be at the heart of the national HS2 network, improving connectivity between the Midlands and the North.” Greater Birmingham Chambers


Now Doug is Dr McDonald’s


Doug Wright (pictured), whose McDonald’s empire in the West Midlands has grown to 20 restaurants, has received another honour. The managing director of


Wright Restaurants T/A McDonald’s has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Birmingham City University (BCU) to add to his appointment as Deputy Lieutenant in the West Midlands. Julian Beer, deputy pro-vice


chancellor of the BCU, said: “This honour is very well deserved not only for his contribution to business but for his outstanding contribution to charity with the Ronald McDonalds Charity, which supports families in a real time of need.”


Mr Wright chairs the board of


governors at the Ronald McDonald House Charity in Birmingham, which houses 66 families of children under care at the nearby Birmingham Children’s Hospital. His company and the


university are patrons of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. Mr Wright said: “I’m


really thrilled and grateful to be


recognised by such a wonderful university which plays such an important role in Birmingham and the wider region. BCU has an important role in making sure that all the infrastructure that is being developed can be operated by highly skilled professionals.”


of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner said: “Allan spelled out exactly why HS2 is so critical to the UK economy, particularly Phases 2a and 2b which will connect Birmingham with the north. “He spoke passionately, not just


about the wealth of opportunities and the wider economic benefits that HS2 will bring but also about tackling some of the challenges that still lie ahead. “The Greater Birmingham region


is already seeing the benefits of HS2 and it is critical that this transformational project is allowed to press ahead so that the whole of the UK can reap the rewards.”


University gets funds for computing skills


Birmingham City University has been awarded £250,000 to help create a new generation of computer programmers in the West Midlands, as part of a new government-backed scheme. The university has landed the


cash boost and has being named as the region’s provider for the new National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE). The NCCE has been created by


the Department for Education and aims to improve computing education across primary and secondary schools by upskilling teachers in computer science. The new body has named nine


regional delivery partners across the country.


Contact: Henrietta Brealey T: 0121 607 1898


HS2 is putting economic regeneration on track


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