Chamber receives strong support for new school proposals

BIRMINGHAM Chamber of Commerce has said it has received tremendous support on its proposals to establish the UK’s first Chamber business school.

The chamber and Broadway Academy School in Perry Barr have jointly submitted a bid to open a pioneering Studio School for Enterprise at the chamber’s headquarters in Chamber House in Edgbaston.

The school would admit up to 370 11 to 19-year-olds who in addition to the standard curriculum would have the opportunity to study enterprise, including how to start a business, marketing, finance and customer service.

The chamber said almost 100 businesses and educationalists had attended an event to discuss setting up the new school.

Jerry Blackett, CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce said:  “It was hugely encouraging to hear the overwhelming support of business people and parents for our school vision. The worlds of work and education will have a unique opportunity to work in tandem so that our young people are given the very best opportunities to become the wealth creators of tomorrow.

“We very much hope that this people power will hit the spot with government when the bid is submitted next month.”

Broadway headteacher, Ron Skelton, said: “We are delighted that parents who attended welcomed this initiative.  It will provide a unique opportunity for their children to receive grounding in how to establish their own businesses drawing on a vast amount of experience and knowledge from chamber members.”

The chamber is now seeking support for the idea from some of its larger members, such as those among its patrons. It is highlighting the innovative Corporate Social Responsibility opportunities such a scheme would bring.

The school will also help the chamber to address a surplus of office space at its headquarters building.

Broadway Academy is considered to have some of the best educational facilities in the country following a £21m extension and refurbishment of its old school. It was the first academy in Birmingham to be built in the Building Schools for the Future programme.

New and developing facilities include nine modern science laboratories, modern technology equipment, nine ITC rooms, a music technology room, a drama room and extensive sport facilities.

Parents can log on to http://www.broadway-academy.co.uk/ to complete an expression of interest form.

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