A West Midlands construction consultancy has stepped into the
spotlight - to respond to Birmingham Hippodrome's Stage Appeal.
Emprima, which is based at Blythe Valley Park, Solihull, and a
"Good Company friend" of the Hippodrome for several years, has made
a significant donation towards the theatre's Stage Appeal, which
aims to raise £1.137 million to replace the stage in August
2012.
Neil Pountney, Managing Director of Emprima, which is currently
project managing the £215 million student residences
regeneration project at Aston University, said: "For many years,
our Directors, staff and their families and friends have enjoyed
and admired the very high standards brought to us time and time
again by the Birmingham Hippodrome. These are values to which we
continually aspire as a company and with which we very much wish to
be associated."
He added: "The Hippodrome also attracts a considerable
contribution to the West Midlands economy, a factor which we feel
just has to be supported by as many individuals and organisations
as possible in these exceptionally difficult times."
Pictured here with the Hippodrome's Judith Greenburgh and Mr
Pountney, who handed over a cheque for a four-figure sum, are his
grandchildren Lauren, aged 10, and Thomas, aged 12, both of whom
are enthusiastic theatre-lovers: Lauren, as a ballet dancer
learning her craft as a member of the Midlands Theatre Ballet
Company and Thomas, who aims to go into musical performance and
production.
Lauren said: "I'm glad Grandpa persuaded Emprima to give some
money to help repair the stage - because in a few years time we
want to be performing there!"
Judith Greenburgh, Birmingham Hippodrome's Corporate Development
Manager, commented: "Corporate funding is vital if we are to
achieve our ultimate goal and we are very pleased to continue to
see Emprima amongst the ranks of our dedicated supporters."
Birmingham Hippodrome will be closed for four weeks next summer
when work will start on replacing the stage and for other essential
backstage remedial work and improvements to be carried out.
• To make a donation towards the appeal phone 0844 338 5000
or go to www.birminghamhippodrome.com/stageappeal