Businesses back City of Culture bid

Business leaders are throwing their weight behind the efforts to win the title, saying it would bring a £200 million windfall to the region, provide jobs, strengthen entrepreneurial talent and change outdated perceptions about the area, which was the worst affected in the recession in the UK.

David Manners Ltd in Oldbury has made 1,000 limited edition commemorative badges to show its support, while firms in Birmingham have provided £70,000 worth of free billboard space to promote the bid.

David Manners, whose company provides spare car parts, said he was keen to support the bid.

He said: “I am an extremely proud Brummie and I have built my business over 20 years working with and buying from local organisations.

“I am extremely fortunate that my business is thriving despite the current economic environment and feel strongly that backing the bid gives me a chance to put something back into the city that has given me so much over the years.

“If Birmingham won so many people across the city would benefit. That’s a great reason to get behind the bid and I urge others to do so too.”

Gerry Bew, managing partner of Birmingham firm Signature Outdoor Ltd, said the financial benefits of winning would surpass the spend that increased levels of visitors will bring into the city.

“Being the City of Culture will highlight the city’s vibrancy, increase media interest and coverage, persuade investors that they need to be in Birmingham – all of that will have a financial benefit to us when advertisers want to increase their profile,” he said.

“We couldn’t offer our help if there weren’t real, tangible economic benefits from helping these initiatives succeed. A successful Birmingham means that Birmingham companies become more successful.”

It was announced in February that Birmingham was one of four cities to be shortlisted for the title and now faces competition from Norwich, Sheffield and Londonderry. The winner is expected to be announced in July.

The winning city will play host to a wide variety of high profile events, such as the Turner Prize, Brits and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Barrie Williams, chairman of Business Voice WM, said a Birmingham win would boost the economic lifeblood of the region, which was hit badly by the recession, while Jerry Blackett, chief executive of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the win would “challenge outdated perceptions of Birmingham”.

Ninety-six per cent of chamber members from Birmingham and Solihull supported the bid, he said.

“We are now a major European city well on the way to achieving global status, attracting new high-tech industries as well as being a growing hotbed of the arts,” he added.

Paul Thandi, chief executive of the NEC Group, said: “By bringing not only high visitor and business tourist spends from visitors to the West Midlands during 2013, but also, importantly, a long-term boost to arts and culture businesses, it will help to create and sustain the kind of entrepreneurs who will strengthen and broaden our regional economy for the future.”