Sponsored by: Birmingham Education Partnership


Business News


Preparing and inspiring young people for the fast-changing world of work


Business cheers new report that backs devolution


Business leaders have welcomed a hard-hitting report championing devolution in English cities, which was launched in Birmingham. Lord Heseltine’s ‘Empowering


English Cities’ report delves into the powers and functions of England’s Combined Authorities and the steps necessary to enable them to compete on fairer terms with cities across the world. In the report, the former Deputy


Prime Minister urges the Government to give regional leaders – such as West Midlands mayor Andy Street – greater power over housing, schools, skills and employment programmes, as well as the ability to levy local taxes. The Tory peer, who first called


for devolution more than three decades ago, has put forward a series of proposals which also include:


• Merging the roles of mayor and police and crime commissioner


• Whitehall reforms to create a new Department for the English regions


• An annual report giving each English city a ‘score’ based on prosperity


• Establishing a mayors committee to meet with the Prime Minister


Introducing the report, Lord Heseltine said: “The cities that laid the foundations of our imperial past – many of them the equal in population and resource to the devolved authorities – are denied the freedom enjoyed by their international peers to compete in a world changing at a pace unprecedented in history.” Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce welcomed the report,


By Mike Pipe, senior enterprise coordinator


Backed by


the Chamber: Lord Heseltine


stating it highlights the “over- centralisation of power” of Westminster. Chief executive Paul Faulkner


said: “For decades Lord Heseltine has been a passionate advocate of devolution and I’m delighted he chose Birmingham to launch his new report on the future of English cities. “Clearly, the over-centralisation


of power at Westminster has played its part in creating the make-up of today’s Britain – one in which prosperity in not shared across the country as a whole and issues of low productivity remain prevalent. “The Chamber has been a


passionate advocate of giving local bodies greater control over their destiny of our cities and towns are to fulfil their true economic potential.”


Satnam to be keynote at health event


A BBC journalist who filmed her emotional journey battling breast cancer is among the keynote speakers at a pioneering event in the Midlands. Wolverhampton-born Satnam Rana (pictured),


who is the arts and culture correspondent at BBC Midlands Today, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. From her diagnosis and throughout her


surgery to have a mastectomy and reconstruction, the 42-year-old made a video diary to encourage other women to check themselves for signs of breast cancer and help save lives. The mum-of-one will further share her


experiences as one of the inspirational speakers who has been lined-up to speak at the Being Well Festival at Ricoh Arena in Coventry. The event, on 24 October, aims to promote


happier, healthier lives by educating people about their health and general wellness. Satnam praised the support she has received and


continues to receive from Breast Cancer Haven in Solihull. She said: “It was early stage breast cancer but invasive surgery was needed because two tumours had to be dealt with fairly quickly. “A few months later I reached out to


Breast Cancer Haven as well as other organisations to seek counselling and therapy. “When I was diagnosed, I decided to


make the videos because I was in a position where I could cascade information


very quickly. “I felt if I was going to go through this


experience, I should use the experience as positively as I could by spreading awareness.”


The event is free but visitors will need to book tickets to attend at www.beingwellfestival.co.uk and places can be booked at www.beingwellfestival2019.eventbrite.co.uk


The Birmingham Enterprise Adviser Network is part of The Careers & Enterprise Company’s national network, linking business volunteers (enterprise edvisers) with local schools and colleges – with a mission to inspire and prepare young people for the world of work. The Birmingham Network


includes 80 schools and equates to supporting around 80,000 young people. Being an enterprise adviser


is a great opportunity to: • Undertake strategic planning in a new context; developing your skills in communication and strategy development


• Build strong working relationships with schools and colleges and provide insight into your organisation, industry and the opportunities available in the local labour market


• Give back to your community • Better understand the education sector and the challenges faced


• Develop your local business network.


As an enterprise adviser, you


will take your passion for raising aspirations of young people and combine it with your skills and strategic thinking. Throughout your journey, you will be supported by one of our trained enterprise coordinators who builds the relationship with the school or college, offers training to you in your role, looks after day-to-day organisation, and offers advice on which resources and careers programmes work best. We ask that volunteers commit to supporting a school or college for one academic year to ensure there is time to build the relationship.


If you are interested in becoming an enterprise adviser, please contact Mike Pipe at


Michael.pipe@bep.education or call on 07717 316661.


September 2019 CHAMBERLINK 27


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