Pictured above: Neil Rami, Chief Executive Marketing
Birmingham; Mike Whitby,
President Marketing Birmingham; Paul Kehoe, Chairman Marketing
Birmingham
It is more important than ever for Birmingham to demonstrate a
collective effort in promoting and selling the city, according to
Marketing Birmingham's new chairman.
In a speech at the company's AGM on 25 October, Paul Kehoe added
that in the face of the pressure on resources, we must ensure that
marketing Birmingham as a destination for business and pleasure is
fully aligned with the city's objectives.
He also announced that Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City
Council, will take up the newly created honorary role of President
of the Board. Gary Taylor, executive director of Argent Group
plc, will take up the position of Deputy Chairman.
It was reported that 2009 had been a particularly strong
financial year, with a turnover just short of £8.5m, up 26%
on the previous year. Despite the economic downturn Marketing
Birmingham reported a growth in the visitor economy and cited the
impact of major events as key contributor in the reported 12%
improvement in perceptions of the city.
Plans are in place to improve the visitor experience with the
creation of a new visitor information centre at Birmingham
International Airport. Marketing Birmingham is also working
closely with the various public agencies across the city to
radically improve city signage.
Attracting major events and conferences to the city remains a
top priority working in close partnership with the NEC Group to
establish a new strategy and 'hit-list'.
In the biggest change, it was officially announced that Locate
in Birmingham will be based with Marketing Birmingham in 2010. The
aim is to develop an integrated sales and investment marketing
strategy for the city.