University News Last updated 07 December 2011
Birmingham City University is spearheading IDEA Birmingham – a university-led network backed by businesses and public sector leaders – is set to host a ‘preview exhibition’ showcasing what the Midlands offers the world in innovation, design and talent.
The special event is being hosted with partner Aston University tomorrow (Thursday, December 8) providing the opportunity to showcase some of the best ideas in Birmingham – and will provide a ‘taster’ for an ambitious display of the region’s excellence to a global audience next year.
IDEA Birmingham aims to create an international platform for Birmingham and the Midlands through building awareness of the region’s exceptional innovation and design talent, achievements and business acumen. The aim is to launch the inaugural IDEA Birmingham Expo and Awards, which will be hosted in June next year to coincide with the 2012 Olympics, the collaboration is aiming to put the Midlands on the world stage.
Beverley Nielsen, Director of Employer Engagement at Birmingham City University, who is behind the initiative, explains: “Our event on Thursday is intended to be a taster of what can be expected from the IDEA Birmingham Expo and Awards next year. We are delighted that so many industry and thought leaders are taking part and helping to showcase what the region has to offer.
“The Midlands is bursting with talent, successful businesses and home to some of the world’s leading brands and it’s important we demonstrate what we are capable of to encourage further investment into the region.”
Keynote speaker Ian Callum, Chairman of IDEA Birmingham and Design Director at Jaguar, together with a host of other successful champions of industry and education in the region, will be outlining plans for IDEA Birmingham Expo and Awards 2012.
Mr Callum, will be speaking on Thursday about the importance of promoting design excellence in the Midlands added: “It is my firm belief that design and manufacture could be the answer to our economic problems given the intellectual and creative capacity represented in that.”
Beverley continued: “The economic climate is tough both at home and abroad. As a collaborative partnership, we need to work together to help market what we do and our capability for the future as well as for now. We are looking forward to bringing the best minds and talent of the region together and host the IDEA Birmingham Preview Exhibition and show the world that Birmingham means business next year at the IDEA Birmingham Expo and Awards.”
The IDEA Birmingham Expo and Awards will be hosted at The Mailbox in Birmingham from 7-10 June 2012 and will be supported by internationally renowned brands, designed and made in the Midlands including Jaguar and Land Rover, AGA Rangemaster, Morgan Motor Company, Triumph Motorcycles and Pashley Cycles.
The IDEA Birmingham Awards Programme will encourage emerging talent, students and entrepreneurs to work in collaboration with great brand-led businesses to develop new innovative products and services and inspirational design visions, leading to commercial development.
Beverley concludes: “With leading businesses, Universities and the public sector coming together for IDEA Birmingham Expo and Awards, I truly believe we will put Birmingham firmly on the international map as the centre of innovation, design and talent.”
Midlands entrepreneurs, businesses and talented individuals who wish to find out more and get involved in IDEA Birmingham Expo and Awards 2012, please get in touch with Beverley Nielsen by emailing: beverley.nielsen@bcu.ac.uk.