Press releases

It is more important than ever for Birmingham to demonstrate a collective effort in promoting and selling the city, according to Marketing Birmingham’s new chairman.

In a speech at the company’s AGM on 25 October, Paul Kehoe added that in the face of the pressure on resources, we must ensure that marketing Birmingham as a destination for business and pleasure is fully aligned with the city’s objectives.

He also announced that Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, will take up the newly created honorary role of President of the Board.  Gary Taylor, executive director of Argent Group plc, will take up the position of Deputy Chairman.

It was reported that 2009 had been a particularly strong financial year, with a turnover just short of £8.5m, up 26% on the previous year. Despite the economic downturn Marketing Birmingham reported a growth in the visitor economy and cited the impact of major events as key contributor in the reported 12% improvement in perceptions of the city.

Plans are in place to improve the visitor experience with the creation of a new visitor information centre at Birmingham International Airport.  Marketing Birmingham is also working closely with the various public agencies across the city to radically improve city signage.

Attracting major events and conferences to the city remains a top priority working in close partnership with the NEC Group to establish a new strategy and ‘hit-list’.

In the biggest change, it was officially announced that Locate in Birmingham will be based with Marketing Birmingham in 2010. The aim is to develop an integrated sales and investment marketing strategy for the city.

In this photo: Neil Rami, Chief Executive Marketing Birmingham; Mike Whitby,
President Marketing Birmingham; Paul Kehoe, Chairman Marketing Birmingham