The Jewellery Quarter BID, which is being led by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) in partnership with Birmingham City Council, aims to attract investment, increase visitor numbers and encourage a more vibrant economy, while making the area a better place in which to work, invest and live.
Over 500 local businesses are being asked to vote to support the initiative, which will see companies with premises with a rateable value of £10,000 and above pay an annual levy of 2% to fund additional investment for the benefit of the whole area. The voting ballot, which commenced this week (17th April), will run for five weeks until 24th May 2012.
Kay Alexander was appointed Chairman of the Assay Office in Newhall Street in 2006. She is the first woman to hold this position, which is something she is extremely proud of.

“In the past there hasn’t been a strong enough partnership between the Assay Office and the Jewellery Quarter but, as Chairman, I realised that it was vital to be involved with the area. As the Jewellery Quarter is famed for its manufacturing and jewellery trade and the Assay Office gives the final stamp of approval to what it produces, it is important to have synergy between us and local businesses.

“I’ve been very fortunate to visit businesses in the Jewellery Quarter that have fascinating stories to tell. There is such pride in the skill and craftsmanship that produce beautiful and iconic pieces sold around the world. The Quarter has the potential to be a top tourist attraction for Birmingham and the West Midlands. There is so much history and heritage to discover but people just don’t know about it.

“I think the improvements outlined in the BID Prospectus will benefit the area massively and make it a cleaner, safer and more attractive environment. Allocating some of the levy money for marketing of the area is particularly important as it will ensure more people get to hear about all the wonderful things you can do and visit in the area.

“I would like to see improvements such as the ‘In Bloom initiative’ taken one step further. We could enter the Quarter for ‘Britain in Bloom’ and encourage the community to work together to really put the Jewellery Quarter on the map!”

Kay, who came to the city to study English at the University of Birmingham, added: “The concept of a BID is fantastic – its inclusive nature allows businesses to vote and then decide how the money will be spent. A successful BID outcome provides huge potential for the Jewellery Quarter. I’m really excited for the area and hope that businesses vote ‘yes’.”

The board of the JQDT decided in early-summer 2011 to support the BID proposal and develop the initiative in partnership with Birmingham City Council. Being a Community Interest Company, the JQDT is made up of key community and stakeholder organisations from within the Jewellery Quarter, including the Jewellery Quarter Association, the Jewellery Quarter Marketing Initiative, the Jewellery Quarter Trade Alliance and the Jewellery Quarter Neighbourhood Forum.

The Trust Board agreed that a levy of 2% should be set on all properties with a rateable value of £10,000 and above and that the Jewellery Quarter BID area would be defined as the area bounded by the Jewellery Quarter side of Great Charles Street, Livery Street, Great Hampton Street, Key Hill Drive, Icknield Street, Sandpits/The Parade and Summer Row.

The BID would help to improve the Jewellery Quarter in many ways, including providing a welcoming environment for visitors, clean and safer streets, improving marketing to increase footfall and inward investment, and improving connectivity to the city centre.

For more information, visit www.jqdt.org/BIDs.

Back row (l-r): David Meecham, Pinsent Masons; Tim Blairs, Antringham Developments; Andrew Yates, BLP; Kathryn Small, Barques. Front row: Martyn Cartwright, Barberry.

Birmingham’s property industry descended on the Jam House last week for an evening of entertainment from Hot Property – a covers band made up of property specialists – to raise money for local worthy causes.

Proceeds from the event’s ticket sales raised more than £2,700 for Property for Kids and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

In the spirit of Easter, each guest bought an egg along with them, which were later distributed to Chilwell Croft Primary School in Newtown and Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid.

A spokesperson from Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid said: “All the children in the refuge received gifts this Easter thanks to the generosity of guests at the Hot Property event. We really appreciate donations such as this as it makes a big difference to all the women and children we work with.”

The Hot Property band is made up of David Meecham (Pinsent Masons); Tim Blairs (Antringham Developments); Andrew Yates (BLP); Martyn Cartwright (Barberry) and Mark Wright (Trebor Developments).

Hannah, Jilly and Kathryn (from Barques) with more than 200 Easter eggs donated by guests at the Hot Property event

To see more photos from the event check them out on Facebook via the link below. Don’t forget to tag yourselves too!

Hot Property 2012 Photos

Barques Design, based in the Jewellery Quarter, has been shortlisted in six ‘Best’ categories at the 2012 Recommended Agency Register (RAR) Awards – Design, Digital, Client Service, Creativity/Innovation, Effectiveness and On time.

RAR collects 5,000 client ratings each year to assess agencies on their skill at specific marketing disciplines and service levels. Each rating is given out of 100 and then average weightings are applied so that agencies with more positive comments are scored higher than those with less positive feedback. Every February, the top ten agencies in each category are shortlisted as finalists for the awards.

Jilly Cosgrove, managing director of Barques Design, said: “This is the first time we have entered the RAR awards and we are so excited to be selected as finalists in six categories. The nominations are made even more special as it is the positive feedback from so many of our clients that has helped us to make the shortlist.”

The awards will take place on Wednesday 14th April at the Bloomsbury Hotel in London. Barques Design has also recently been included in the Top 100 UK Design Companies for leading creative industries magazine, The Drum.

Jilly added: “There’s a lot of competition out there, including all the London-based agencies, so to be included in the top 100 makes us very proud. We’re flying the flag for Birmingham! These accolades are thanks to the wonderfully creative and hardworking team here at Barques.”

Barques Design was launched in 1989 by managing director Jilly Cosgrove. In December 2010, the agency launched a sister company, Barques PR, led by director Paul Skipp.

You can view photos from of the event here:

Alternatively why not head over to our Facebook page and tag yourselves looking smiley and happy.
You know you want to!

Allo, allo - Jilly Cosgrove, managing director of Barques Design, looks forward to welcoming property professionals to another Alternative MIPIM.Leading property professionals from across the West Midlands have said ‘non’ to travelling to France for the annual MIPIM real estate convention – opting instead to say 'allo, allo' much closer to home.

The Alternative MIPIM event in Birmingham will see more than 100 leading figures from the commercial property sector networking over a meal with fine French wine, rather than joining their counterparts in Cannes.

In its fourth year, the Alternative MIPIM has firmly cemented its place in the property diary. Tickets for this year’s event, organised by Barques Design managing director Jilly Cosgrove, sold out within two days. The event, on March 7, is being staged at Anderson’s Bar and Grill in the Jewellery Quarter.

Companies represented include Stoford, Barberry Developments, Mucklow Group, Gateley, Monteith Scott, Jones Lang LaSalle, Coltham Developments, CBRE, Overbury, and Nurton Developments.

Jilly said: “Four years ago when the credit crunch was in full cry, Mike Hargreaves, Eddie Morse and I decided that there must be a way of getting commercial property professionals together without all the expense involved in flying to Cannes to attend MIPIM.

“The idea very quickly took off and the Alternative MIPIM was born. Each year we always sell out within just a few days and there is a waiting list for places. It is a great opportunity for all our friends to get together for a fantastic meal and to discuss business – or non!”

1. Make it an unforgettable experience

2. Let them fall at your feet

3. Don’t propose unless you’re sure they’ll say yes!

(l-r) Ruth Paulin, hospital director from Spire Little Aston, and Jilly Cosgrove, tournament director for Second City, present the cheques to Sarah Cooke from Arthritis Research UK and Jane Clarke from The Norman Laud Association

Two Sutton Coldfield charities have received a cash injection following donations from a local golf tournament.

The Norman Laud Association and Arthritis Research UK received cheques for £3,222 and £4,832 respectively from Second City’s 45^th golf pro-am classic event. The tournament, which was sponsored by Spire Little Aston Hospital, took place at Little Aston Golf Club.

Second City is the Midlands’ premier charity golf tournament. Established in 1967 to support Midland professional golf, the tournament originally took place over two days. In the early eighties the tournament changed to a one-day format and became a charity event. Since then, more than £265,000 has been raised for local charities.

Jilly Cosgrove, tournament director for Second City Golf Tournaments, and Ruth Paulin, hospital director from Spire Little Aston, presented the cheques to representatives from the two charities.

The Norman Laud Association provides quality respite care for children and adults with special needs. The charity also offers support to the families who cope under the most difficult circumstances.

Jane Clarke, community fundraiser for The Norman Laud Association, said: “We want to thank the people who took part in the golf tournament to raise a significant amount for our charity. The money will ensure our home and respite services remain at a high standard.”

Arthritis Research UK is a research charity that is dedicated to finding a cure for arthritis. It aims to educate and inform the general public, patients and health professionals on all aspects of arthritis and campaigns for treatment and support for people living with the condition.

Sarah Cooke, from Arthritis Research UK, said: “The donation will enable us to continue our research into curing a condition that affects people all of ages.”

Jilly Cosgrove said: “We are very grateful to our team sponsors, sponsors and patrons that make every year a success and help to raise money for worthy causes. I’ll look forward to seeing some familiar faces at the next event as well as welcoming some new ones.”

Teams are already signing up for the 46^th second city charity golf pro-am classic, which will take place on Wednesday 11th July at Little Aston Golf Club. To get involved or find out more about the event, visit www.second-city.org.

A Birmingham design agency’s newest recruit has big plans for the company. Barques Design, based in the Jewellery Quarter, has appointed Kathryn Small as business development manager.

Kathryn, aged 29, from Birmingham, has been tasked with bringing in new business for the design and PR divisions as well as forming relationships with key targets in various industry sectors.

Before joining Barques, Kathryn was project manager at international law firm Eversheds for more than seven years. Clients included property companies that have made an impact in Birmingham including Land Securities, Hammerson and Nikal.

Kathryn said: “This is an exciting challenge for me and I’m really looking forward to working with the team at Barques to develop new business. I’ll be exploring sectors that we are traditionally very strong in but also others that are performing well and leading the economy out of recession.”

Jilly Cosgrove, managing director of Barques Design, said: “Kathryn brings with her a wealth of experience. She is a very welcome addition to our team and I am sure she will play a pivotal role as we seek to win new business in new and exciting sectors.”

Barques Design was launched in 1989 by managing director Jilly Cosgrove. In December 2010, the agency launched a sister company, Barques PR, led by director Paul Skipp. For more information about Barques’ services, visit www.barques.co.uk.

Robert Indiana inspired design

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As a project manager in the Real Estate Commercial Development department, Kathryn has worked closely with a number of retail and property companies, including Hammerson, Land Securities and Nikal, on a variety of mixed use, retail and residential schemes such as Cabot Circus, Bristol; The Bullring and The Mailbox, Birmingham; Highcross, Leicester; and Freedom Quay, Hull.

We look forward to working with the wonderful new clients that Kathryn’s experience and hard work is sure to bring our way.

(l-r) Terry Cotton, Jewellery Quarter Development Trust Manager, with JQ BID supporters Peter Foreman, managing director of Lavery Rowe, and Jilly Cosgrove, managing director of Barques Design.

Birmingham business leaders and supporters of the Jewellery Quarter are hosting a series of consultation meetings to encourage companies to support proposals for a Business Improvement District (BID).

Throughout January and February, businesses with a rateable value of £10,000 or more are being invited to attend one of over 20 consultation meetings organised by Jewellery Quarter BID champions. Bid champions are local business leaders who support initiatives to improve the area.

The meetings give business owners the chance to review the draft prospectus of potential improvements to the Jewellery Quarter. Attendees will also be able to address their questions to members of the team leading the BID proposal. If the proposals go forward, businesses would be required to pay an annual levy of 2% of the rateable value of their premises.

The BID aims to attract investment, increase visitor numbers and encourage a more vibrant economy, while making the Jewellery Quarter a better place in which to work, invest and live.

Dave Mahony, chair of the JQDT and managing director of PCPT Architects in Spencer Street, believes business support for the BID is vital.

“The BID will not only give us a strategic voice alongside other Birmingham BIDs, such as Southside, Retail, Colmore Row and Broad Street, but it should also raise around £400,000 a year to address the improvements needed in the Jewellery Quarter. Decisions on those priorities will be made by the levy payers.

“It’s imperative that the Jewellery Quarter community takes greater control and ownership of the area’s future prosperity and becomes the driver for the continued regeneration of the Quarter.”

Stephen Whittaker, a JQDT director and managing director of Fellows & Sons, hosted the first consultation meeting.

Stephen said: “The first meeting, which was attended by almost 30 levy payers in the Quarter’s thriving retail sector, was very successful. The question and answer session with myself, Andy Munro and fellow JQDT director Mike Henrick, showed a strong positive support for the BID.

“The issues that were raised by some business owners are helping to shape the final manifesto, so we can ensure that the proposal outlines improvements that levy payers feel will benefit the area most.”

Dates and times of upcoming BID consultation meetings are available on the JQDT website. For levy payers who are unable to attend a consultation meeting, the JQDT will be hosting an open day on Thursday, 2^nd February at Fellow auctioneers.

The board of the JQDT decided in early-summer 2011 to support the BID proposal and develop the initiative in partnership with Birmingham City Council. Being a Community Interest Company, the JQDT is made up of those key representative bodies and stakeholder organisations from within the Jewellery Quarter, including the Jewellery Quarter Association, the Jewellery Quarter Marketing Initiative, the Jewellery Quarter Trade Alliance and the Jewellery Quarter Neighbourhood Forum.

The BID could help to improve the Jewellery Quarter in many ways, including increased security through expanded CCTV, better lighting, local-based police presence, enhanced street cleaning and maintenance; better signage, accessibility and information; environmental initiatives; and more effective marketing of this unique area. Ultimately, it will help to increase the profile of the area and encourage business networking to bring in more visitors and businesses to help the local economy.

After the consultation meetings and open day have been completed, a final Prospectus will be agreed by the BID Steering Group and will form the Election Manifesto, which will be sent to all eligible addresses and prospective levy payers along with ballot papers.

The ballot – managed and organised by an independent organisation, the Electoral Reform Society – will take place over five weeks, starting on April 17.

To many of us, dragons are evil, fire-breathing mythical creatures. But in China they are considered to be a symbol of the four great blessings; long life, virtue, harmony and wealth.

Dragons are also the country’s national emblem and lead the famous new year carnival as a sign of hope and positivity.

With all the doom and gloom of last year, we are determined to adopt a positive approach and be optimistic about the many new business opportunities that are already coming our way.

積極思考

Think Positive!

We’ve already got lots of exciting projects in the pipeline for this year and hope to be working with many new clients, as well as our lovely existing ones, during the next twelve months. Our PR team who celebrated their first birthday in December finished 2011 on a high with four new clients signed up to work with them from January. View or download the work update below to find out more about what else we’ve all been up to and how we can help you trade positively in 2012.

Retro Christmas jumpers – possibly from British Ho-Ho-Home stores – were de rigueur as Barques Design and PR created a cosy, fireside scene reminiscent of schmaltzy festive family gatherings in days gone by. The image is featured on the Jewellery Quarter-based company’s annual comedy Christmas card.

The yuletide fashion frenzy was the brainchild of Barques Design managing director Jilly Cosgrove whose sense of style is almost legendary.  Jilly said: “We had great fun digging out our Christmas jumpers for the photo-shoot – most of them were from my wardrobe! There were more laughs than a box of Christmas cracker jokes. And for some of our team, who shall remain nameless, it was a definite improvement on their usual dress sense.”

Cheese sausage, located at the sausage stall by the carousel

Tuesday night (6th) saw the Barques family (Barques Design and Barques PR) take a trip to the infamous Frankfurt Christmas Market in the heart of Birmingham’s City Centre.

In its 10th year, it offers such delights as authentic German beer, mulled wine, German crafts and gifts, and, of course, the cheese sausage, which comes fully recommended by Adam.

We especially enjoyed the singing moose, which even sang some songs in German, whilst having a beer or two. Jilly also endorses a crêpe with Baileys if you’re after something sweet.

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