'Our brilliant and amazing city region ' - by Chamber chief
The Greater Birmingham region is “right in the middle of something brilliant ” one of the largest gatherings of businesses in the country was told.
Henrietta Brealey (pictured), chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), was speaking at the organisation 's first annual dinner and live awards for two years at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in central Birmingham.
She told 1,300 delegates and guests: “This amazing place - this wonderful region - is not just on the cusp it is right in the middle of something brilliant right now.
“I feel it when I see the headlines - homegrown success stories from Gymshark to Grenade taking the world by storm. When national and global players from Goldman Sachs to BT to the BBC to Amazon and Asos, choose to invest in Greater Birmingham.
“When I see HS2 transforming the landscape of the region literally and figuratively, catalysing investment, creating jobs and pushing world firsts in construction methods - and that 's before the first trains even hit the track.
“And when I realise there 's only 146 days to go until the start of the Commonwealth Games and all that it will bring on boosting the visitor economy and long-term legacy - I feel it.
“From MasterChef in Digbeth to a Michelin starred restaurant for Lichfield the good news keeps on coming. ”
She went on to praise businesses working in their communities, those supporting the NHS and health charities, those battling through challenges and those supporting each other.
Ms Brealey added a more sombre note when she said: “We 're in the midst of a global pandemic and war in Europe - not a phrase I think anyone thought they 'd be hearing in 2022.
“I know our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and their loved ones the world over whose lives have been utterly devastated in ways they thought truly unimaginable just a short time ago. ”
In her address, president Deb Leary said the Chamber and the region included companies, universities and organisations that represented “the best of the best ”.
She added: “� and how proud are we of the home-grown talent that is Gymshark, our ever-growing digital, cyber, medical and creative industries, our outstanding restaurants and venues.
“We are a city and a region that is bursting with diversity, energy and ideas. The latest news now is that the Peaky Blinders movie is to be filmed here, and that the regeneration of Digbeth will be given a much welcome boost with the relocation of MasterChef, ensuring Birmingham is a destination of choice for film and programme makers.
“Soon we will be welcoming visitors to the Commonwealth Games and it is essential that they see what we have to offer, whether it 's our industries, our universities, our food or our music.
“For those weeks we have to throw everything at it, not in the hope that something sticks, but because we will do it right and it will stick, ensuring Birmingham shines as it should. ”
Deb announced that her choice of charity to receive support during her two years in office would be PANSPANDAS UK, which is dedicated to research and treatment of neurological and autoimmune disorders that can suddenly affect the physical and mental health of children and adults.
PANS and PANDAS are triggered by a reaction to a common infection which leads to brain inflammation and can affect anyone, of any background or age, especially in children between the ages of three and 13. Deb revealed that a member of her family was suffering from the disorder.