Jas Sansi looks ahead to the 2017 Chamber events calendar
Jas Sansi Photography
To mark the launch of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce 2017 Year Planner, I thought it would be useful to reflect on some of the events on offer.
As some of you know, I photograph a number of events for the Chamber group and I’m always struck by the diversity of those in attendance.
Diverse is a word often used to describe our fair city. It’s a complex description of a simple notion; a wide spectrum of human beings united in calling the city region, home.
It’s important businesses reflect the diversity of the markets in which they operate. It’s important not only from embracing values of equality and opportunity, which are reason enough, but its important for the very survival of enterprise. If you understand your customers, you are in a position to serve them.
The Chamber events are an unparalleled opportunity to engage with a membership body that reflect the region. If you feel your organisation operates in low light when it comes to understanding the diverse markets on your doorstep, allow the Chamber to illuminate opportunities you may be ignoring.
2017 marks the 30th Anniversary of Asian Business Chamber of Commerce. The ABCC deliver a number of events including one celebrating Vaisakhi (May 3rd), Eid (June 12th) and Diwali (November 1st.)
These three events celebrating the festivals for Sikhs (Vaisakhi), Muslims (Eid) and Hindus (Diwali) are open to everyone and represent three dates all Business Development Managers should have in their diaries as well as the 30th Dinner on December 2nd.
It’s never easy going beyond your comfort zone, but experience has taught me, this is where the best opportunities lie. 42% of Birmingham are from an non white ethnic group. That’s a lot of business. If you have any questions about these events, reach out to the Chamber or by all means contact me.
Diversity incorporates gender equality. March 8th is on the event planner as International Women’s Day. This event has grown exponentially in the past 3 years welcoming key note speakers from Politics, Media and Business.
With all this talk about a possible trade deal with USA, you’d be excused for thinking there is little American investment in the region. In the Midlands 55,000 people work for US companies. The British American Business Council (BABC) will be discussing Trump’s inauguration on 25th January and celebrating Independence Day on July 4th, just two of the events hosted by this transatlantic part of the Chamber.
Embracing diversity means celebrating the contributions made by the young. Birmingham is a very young city with just under 50% of us under the age of 30. Does your business tap into this market. Future Faces representing tomorrows captains of industry host social networking throughout the year and an annual dinner awards (15th September.)
The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce 2017 Year Planner presents just under 150 events across the districts and groups. It’s being posted out in the next few days. Looking at the 2017 planner, its clear this will be an exciting year. A new President was inaugurated at the Chamber last October, Paul Kehoe, CEO of Birmingham Airport. Like Paul, I’m confident if you keep this planner close to hand, you’ll be flying.
If you want to download our 2017 Events Calendar, click here.