Birmingham: A global city�and that ain 't no bull!
What a month August turned out to be, writes Deb Leary.
We all knew the Commonwealth Games were coming but in true Brummie style many didn 't quite believe we could pull it off. An ingrained Brummie scepticism kicked in and only those involved at a strategic level of organisation had any idea just how fabulous it was going to be.
This was a game of firsts. First to have more events for women than men and the first integrated event, with the para competition held at the same time. In addition, the first games to include Esports, albeit as a limited pilot with separate branding and medals.
The Games was the largest ever held, with 72 participating nations and over 1.3 million ticket sales. This was a Games like no other and has set Birmingham well and truly on the global map.
The 1.3 million people who attended were treated to an opening ceremony that set the tone for the whole Games. Little did we know - or the organisers know- the power and draw that the Bull would have. But from the minute it entered the stadium it captivated not only the country but the world. For myself it is an icon of the city 's and region 's strength, resilience and creativity.
With a focus on societal impact, one aim was to make this the first carbon neutral Games. This included providing free public transport, no waste sent to landfill, 2022 acres of forest to be planted, 72 urban tiny forests representing each participating nation to be planted around the West Midlands.
This was a Games that just kept on giving and continues to do so. Outstanding events, superb athletes, a celebration of our music and dance heritage and the industries and people upon which this city and region has been built. A true celebration of our communities coming together; a convergence of all that we are, celebrating our talent, our youth, our diversity and our humour and resilience.
Then, just when we thought it couldn 't get any better along came Ozzy. Perfection.
Now we have to look to what is the legacy, how can we build on the energy and sense of community, the global presence that we have created? The economic impact of Birmingham hosting the games has been estimated at more than £1billion in increased business opportunities, tourism, and infrastructure improvements as examples. Legacy has to be inward and outward facing it has to be globally connected and locally inclusive and relevant. Touching that grassroot level.
These games have been the most inclusive in its history. Its legacy needs to be the same.
The fact that more and more global corporates are moving to Birmingham illustrates there is a recognition of our connectivity, our talent, our young people, our diversity, industries and our world class universities. We have all the ingredients.
As President of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, my theme for the two years of my term is that of international trade, global partners and innovation. As a Chamber we are looking forward to our forthcoming Global Trade Conference which is set to take place on the 15 September at Birmingham Conservatoire and will provide opportunities to develop new international connections, gather trade information and insights and provide opportunities to seek new collaborations.
August, however, was not just about the Games. It was also a time of celebration for many of our talented graduates. I had the pleasure of being at Symphony Hall this week (August 30) to see over 800 Birmingham City University students receive their degrees. It was also fantastic to see the Chamber 's former CEO, Paul Faulkner, along with Prof Paul Cadman receive their Honorary Doctorates.
It was an absolute honour to share in everyone 's celebration. The day left me inspired and encouraged that this City, has boundless talent, energy, creativity and global awareness to not only see it through the next millennium but thrive and shine and ensure we are the global city we deserve to be.
It would have been easy for my review of August to focus on the politics of the time, the global challenges we face, the bills that loom, but just for one moment, one beautiful moment I want us to bask in the August glory. To all those involved, you absolutely nailed it. Thank you. #proudbrummie
Deb Leary is president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and chief executive of Forensic Pathways
This column first appeared in the Birmingham Post