Brumbassadors: Why Birmingham Means Business

Become a Brumbassador and carry on the conversation.

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How well does the media tell Birmingham’s story, and how can the city’s businesses make better use of it?

In this episode of Brumbassadors: Why Birmingham Means Business, BBC Radio WM presenter Ed James and broadcaster and journalist Marverine Cole join Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce's head of media and communications Dan Harrison to take a look at the state of Birmingham’s media sector.

They discuss how the media landscape has changed during their careers, the roles of local journalism, independent producers and digital creators, and what key investments from organisations such as the BBC mean for the future.

They also assess whether Birmingham is fairly represented by the national media, how the city can promote itself with confidence without ignoring its challenges, and how it can attract, develop and keep media talent.

In this episode:

• Ed and Marverine on how the city has shaped their careers
• Their routes into broadcasting and how the opportunities compare with today
• The challenges and opportunities within the city's media sector
• BBC's new headquarters and partnership with Birmingham City University
• Is Birmingham represented fairly by the national media?
• How the city can tell its story better
• Advice for building a media career in Birmingham

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The second episode of Brumbassadors: Why Birmingham Means Business focuses on technology in Birmingham.

With Birmingham Tech Week approaching (19–23 October), the GBCC's deputy CEO Raj Kandola is joined by Jason Sahota, chair of TechWM, and Professor Hanifa Shah, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research, Enterprise, Engagement and STEAM at Birmingham City University, to explore the strengths — and the gaps — in Birmingham's tech ecosystem.

They discuss why the region excels in med tech, fintech and professional services tech, why "scale-up" is the missing piece compared with the US, and why a single physical hub for founders — like Austin or Paris — could change the game.

In this episode:

• Birmingham's tech ecosystem - strengths and specialisms
• BCU's Future Founders Fund
• Why 'scale-up' is the region's real challenge
• Birmingham Tech Week - what it is and how it's evolved
• Support available for SMEs and founders
• Why Birmingham needs a physical "nucleus" for tech

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Become a Brumbassador and carry on the conversation.

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Welcome to the first ever episode of Brumbassadors: Why Birmingham Means Business - the podcast championing Birmingham, brought to you by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and Steam House.

In this first episode, the GBCC's CEO Henrietta Brealey is joined by Stuart Cain, chief executive at Edgbaston Stadium, and Alex Nicholson-Evans, city curator director behind Birmingham Light Festival, Birmingham Restaurant Festival and the new Birmingham Jewellery Biennial.

Ahead of International Day of Birmingham on 24 September, Stuart and Alex share what's got them feeling bullish about the city right now - from the Jewellery Quarter's Worldcraft City status to Edgbaston's Ashes 2027 preparations and Birmingham's food scene.

They also set out a simple call to action for every listener - share what you love about Birmingham and challenge anyone talking the city down.

In this episode:

• What International Day of Birmingham is, where it came from, and what's on for 24 September
• What's got Stuart and Alex feeling bullish about Birmingham right now
• Birmingham's World Craft City status for jewellery and the new Jewellery Biennial
• Edgbaston's Ashes preparations and the new Radisson RED hotel
• Snack time - top picks from Birmingham's food scene

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More from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

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More from STEAMhouse

Visit the STEAMhouse website.

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Become a Brumbassador and carry on the conversation.

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Welcome to Brumbassadors, a platform for amplifying good news and opportunities across business, culture and sport in Birmingham.

The Brumbassadors podcast series brings you the real stories behind one of the UK's most exciting city-regions.

Whether we're talking investment and innovation, major sporting occasions, cultural highlights or Birmingham's best-kept secrets, every episode shines a spotlight on the people and stories shaping our city's future.

Subscribe today and discover why there's never been a more exciting time to be part of Birmingham.

Brumbassadors is brought to you by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with STEAMhouse at Birmingham City University.

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More from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Sign up to the Greater Birmingham Business News daily newsletter.

Follow on LinkedIn and Instagram.

More from STEAMhouse

Visit the STEAMhouse website.

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.