Steve Cram goes the extra mile for Birmingham business
ONE of the UK’s most successful middle distance runners and the voice of UK athletics went the extra mile for businesses in Birmingham.
Steve Cram attended a seminar at the Yorkshire Bank Financial Solutions Centre (FSC) in Temple Row in his first event as an ambassador for Yorkshire Bank.
The gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games, European and World Championships led a question and answers session after guests and Yorkshire Bank partners participated in a discussion by Professor John Hayes from the Leeds University Business School entitled ‘Shaping Change – critical issues that can affect the outcome of change initiatives’.
Mr Cram, who obtained a BA Honours degree from Sunderland University in 1983, said he was looking forward to using the lessons he learned on the track to encourage and nurture business talent and skills.
“It is extremely rewarding to inspire businesses and pass on motivational tips which stood me in good stead throughout my time in athletics,” he said.
“Training to be a top-class athlete and leading a department or business both require dedication, self-motivation and skill and the seminar in Birmingham showed there was plenty of talent at this event.”
The BBC presenter and commentator will represent Yorkshire Bank at corporate and community events across the UK as one of its ambassadors.
Law firm Higgs & Sons, the Carnell Group and Electrotest Services were among the companies taking part in the day-long session, which centred on changes that have taken place in their various businesses. It also looked at how introducing economic and organisational changes could make a difference to their profit margins.
Steve Cronin, managing partner at Yorkshire Bank in Birmingham, said the former 1,500 and 2,000m world record holder and Professor Hayes had given valuable advice to businesses planning for their futures.
“Holding this kind of event emphasises our commitment to the business community in Birmingham because it was an opportunity for our customers to attend a workshop that stands out from the usual seminars,” he said.
“Steve and Professor Hayes were engaging speakers with an interesting perspective on the importance of introducing positive changes to businesses to help organisations run more smoothly as well as grow.
“This was the first time we have held this kind of workshop and it proved to be a tremendous success.”
Picture Caption: From left, Steve Cronin, of Yorkshire Bank, Steve Cram and Professor John Hayes at a business event in Birmingham.
