Female networking group dispels beer’s blokey image

WARWICKSHIRE brewer Purity and Malmaison in Birmingham are joining forces with a female networking group with a difference.

The women-only FemALE event, which takes place at the city hotel on March 29, is being presented by award-winning beer writer, TV presenter and journalist Marverine Cole.

The event showcases gourmet food paired with craft beers from around the world. Ms Cole will guide guests through the courses, explaining each in turn and trying to dispel common beer myths along the way.

This year six tapas-style courses are on offer, each uniquely paired with a specialist beer to complement the flavours of the dish. Guests will learn about the hugely varied styles of beers and why they are undeserving of their ‘blokey’ reputation.

A similar event last year attracted around 100 women and this year organisers are hoping for 150 guests, which if can be achieved, would make it the biggest event of its kind in the UK.

Further details are available from the hotel or the brewery.

Boot camp proves fit for purpose

A UNIQUE army-style boot camp complete with indoor assault course has opened in Staffordshire. BC One, which has helped create 10 new jobs, has been set up in the former Bristols & Round factory in Cannock.

The boot camp concept is being run by personal trainer Ian Stanley and his sister-in-law Sarah Stanley. They have transformed the derelict building and kitted it out with a new reception area and changing rooms.

The £40,000 facilities include an assault course based around the perimeter of the 8,000 sq ft warehouse, which includes rope climbs, tyres, monkey bars and cargo nets.

As well as being a fitness facility for members of the public, BC One, left, is also aiming to become a training centre for police officers and firefighters.

Mr Stanley said: “We are basically going back to basics when it comes to fitness training. BC One doesn’t boast any fancy equipment but what I will guarantee is fitness results for any standard, from beginner to professional athlete and from teenager to pensioners. We will cater for all ages and abilities. We are unique to the West Midlands as the assault course and facilities are indoors.”

Airline targets premium jetsetters

PRIVATE charter airline, Eastern Airways, which operates flights from Birmingham Airport, has introduced a new executive charter service aimed at corporate customers, international companies, blue chip organisations, sports teams, the music industry and private clients.

Eastern, the UK’s second largest regional airline, has provided scheduled and charter flights from Birmingham since 2003. The new service is targeting bespoke charters in the 29-50 seat category.

Cabin crew have been specifically trained in the hospitality sector to deliver the premium on-board services, which are tailored to suit an individual client’s needs. Crew have also been trained in a variety of languages including French, Italian, Spanish, German and Polish.    

Kay Ryan, Eastern Airways’ commercial director, said: “We have significantly grown our charter business over the last two years and the launch of our new charter product further demonstrates our attention to detail and customised levels of service to meet the requirements of our clients.  The bespoke charter services we offer will appeal to a whole host of existing and potential customers.”