Business News President’s Focus
Mark Hipwell is the president of the Chamber’s young professionals’ division, Future Faces. Mark, a pre-construction manager for HS2 contractor LMJV, is a strong advocate of social enterprise and has just joined the board of governors of the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Birmingham. Here, he discusses how the future generation can do their bit to help address inequalities that exist in Greater Birmingham.
my top 10 bridges is great, I suspect it’ll miss the point! In this month’s President’s Focus, I want to
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cover something close to my heart which is social enterprises and business engagement with local charities. In a tricky political and financial climate, I have
huge respect for companies willing to sacrifice time and money to help others. Birmingham and the West Midlands have a
huge number of incredible charities doing wonderful work, such as Ronald McDonald House, which supports families with children under care at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, or Birmingham Women’s Hospital’s Woodland House appeal which will provide a safe space for the thousands of parents in the Midlands who suffer unimaginable loss each year. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy for young
professionals to make charitable donations. Many of them don’t have deep enough pockets to feel like they’re making a difference.
‘In a tricky political and financial climate, I have huge respect for companies willing to sacrifice time and money to help others’
Thanks to the growing social enterprise sector
in the city centre and further afield, our Future Faces members can spend money at establishments willing to sacrifice profit for progress. That’s not just social enterprises but also local businesses and restaurants partnering with charities. A few examples include Miss Macaroon in the
Great Western Arcade, reinvesting profits into training long-term unemployed youth or the nearby Good Intent, run by Craddocks Brewery, where all profits go to local charities such as LoveBrum, who help small organisations that need support accessing funding. We’re also lucky to have a few spots that
combine both my love of coffee and helping others. Evolve (Digbeth and Selly Oak) and Urban (Church Street and the Jewellery Quarter) break down barriers to work for homeless and unemployed youth. A flat white in the morning can help get people back into the work place. We often forget that it’s not just a pay packet
that’s needed. It’s the mental health benefits of knowing that you have somewhere to go, a chance to feel like you’re contributing to society. On top of social enterprises, I’m proud to see so many businesses doing their bit. For example,
10 CHAMBERLINK March 2020
Wayland’s Yard (an establishment I occasionally frequent) have a ‘Pay it Forward’ board in collaboration with Let’s Feed Brum, offering bacon sandwiches and coffees to those less fortunate. York’s coffee shop near New Street station
hands out refreshments to those living on the streets. Just over the road in Piccadilly Arcade, Shepherds Barbers also work with Let’s Feed Brum to provide haircuts for those in need. If you fancy something a little more
‘upmarket’, OPUS restaurant on Cornwall Street regularly send their chefs down to cook at Sifa Fireside, a charity providing a comprehensive service to get people off the streets. Another dining establishment, The Wilderness, have raised hundreds of pounds in collaboration with
Punks ‘n’ Chancers for Sifa too. Michelin-starred Adam’s work with Street
Smart and have helped raise money for homeless people. It’s easy to get excited about the amazing
projects coming to the West Midlands like HS2 and the Commonwealth Games, with all the opportunities they afford businesses and professionals across the region. But these projects can also highlight the
inequalities in the system. Social enterprises and businesses can offer a
chance to help rebalance those inequalities, while allowing people across every pay scale – from those who enjoy a cup of coffee to fine- dining foodies – to help.
f you’ve ever met me, you’ll know I love three things – bridges, coffee and Future Faces. And while the temptation to discuss
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