Digby: Brum’s culture bid is good for business

DIGBY, Lord Jones of Birmingham has thrown his backing behind Birmingham’s bid to be the first UK City of Culture, saying the accolade could have a major impact on jobs and business start-ups.

He said: “The creative Industries provide so many entry-level jobs for young people and symbolise the achievement of transitioning the West Midlands economy into innovative channels.”

“Tourism is one of the Cinderellas of the business space.  Employing millions of people and generating enormous inward overseas currency flows, the sector would receive such a boost in the West Midlands if the bid were to succeed.  I am proud to add my fulsome support to the bid.”

If successful, the title of UK City of Culture would bring with it several high profile events to the city, including the Turner Prize, BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards and the BRITS.

The West Midlands is the hardest-hit region in the recession, with unemployment running as high as 10% – 2% above the UK average.

Cllr Martin Mullaney, Chair of the Birmingham Cultural Partnership said: “The title of UK City of Culture would create over £200m in additional direct visitor and programme expenditure alone – with additional indirect spending across the city by visitors more than doubling this figure.

“Winning would allow Birmingham to accelerate the pace of positive change in the city after the recession, creating thousands of new jobs in the creative and hospitality sectors and increasing community engagement in Europe’s most diverse city.”

Birmingham is up against Sheffield, Norwich and Londonderry, and submits final bid today (Friday). Bid organisers say thousands of local people and cultural organisations have showed their support. Last month more than 7,500 people logged on to a 24-hour ‘culture blog’, highlighting the extraordinary variety of events held in just one day across the city.

Lord Jones’ support follows that of other Birmingham-born figures including actress Julie Walters, former Python Terry Jones, singer Beverley Knight and Olympic Denise Lewis MBE.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport is expected to announce the winning bid in the summer.