Marketing Birmingham launches new microsite

MARKETING Birmingham has launched a new microsite as part of its long-term campaign Welcome to More, which promotes Birmingham’s visitor offering.
 
The site builds on 18 months of marketing and communications work targeting overseas visitors and investors, which has ranged from advertising campaigns to attending international tourism events. This has focused on European markets such as Spain, Germany and France – plus long haul destinations including the East Coast of the United States and Asia (primarily India and Japan).  
 
Welcome to More highlights the transformation the city is experiencing, with over £1bn in investment now coming to fruition. It encompasses everything the city region will have to offer – from the £600m redevelopment of New Street Station, to major cultural events including the Birmingham Weekender and The Big Hoot.
 
The microsite will become a central information point, providing further details about the milestones taking place across the local area. Marketing Birmingham has developed a range of other tools for Welcome to More, including a downloadable festivals planner, digital advertising campaign and door drop leaflets targeting national audiences who can take a direct train journey into Birmingham city centre. A social media campaign will be using the hashtag #morebirmingham.
 
The microsite also complements the content already available for stakeholders on the Birmingham Toolkit. Local organisations can download tools such as factsheets, a press pack, digital banners and an events calendar to help them sell Birmingham as a global destination to visit, invest and meet.
 
Emma Gray, Director of Marketing and Communications at Marketing Birmingham, said: “This is such an exciting time for Birmingham and its surrounding areas. Anticipation is already starting to build for the launches, cultural celebrations and sporting fixtures taking place within weeks of each other.
 
“We have been targeting a number of key overseas markets for some time, but Welcome to More is really ramping up now. By capitalising on everything that’s taking place in the coming months, we want to encourage more people to experience for themselves why Birmingham has become a must-see destination.
 
“Building on the momentum of 2015, we will also be using Welcome to More to promote the region into 2016 and beyond.”
 
Train operator London Midland has partnered with the agency to support Welcome to More. Other supporters include The National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham, Birmingham Airport, Black Country Living Museum, Retail Birmingham, Resorts World Birmingham, Grand Central, John Lewis, The Mailbox and Cadbury World.
 

New marketing and PR assistant for CPBigwood

PROPERTY consultant CPBigwood has appointed Rachael Brazier (pictured right) as marketing and PR assistant.

The 24-year-old from Sutton Coldfield joins the firm from a Birmingham photographic studio.

She said: “I was looking for the next step up in my career, and the opportunity at CPBigwood seemed perfect.

“CPBigwood is fast building a national reputation, not only in its core markets of auctions and property management, but also in residential service charge, valuations and professional work.”

CPBigwood’s head of marketing Sue Randell (pictured left) said: “Rachael joins us at an important time in the company’s growth.

“Communicating our services to our clients and our strategy to the property market is a key factor in our expansion plans, and we welcome Rachael into the team.”
 

Marketing Manager swaps football for Drayton Manor

DRAYTON Manor Theme Park has appointed a new Marketing Manager to help it promote new and existing attractions.

Alexa Stockham, 31, joins the theme park with over 11 years’ experience within consumer and corporate marketing and communications sector, having previously worked for Birmingham City and Leeds United football clubs.
 
She said: “Being family owned and run, it’s hard not to fall in love with the ethos and spirit here at Drayton Manor. I’m already getting stuck in to the role and have lots of fantastic things planned for our visitors this year.”
 
William Bryan, managing director of Drayton Manor Theme Park, added: “Alexa is already proving to be a great addition to our team and it’s fantastic to have her on board during such an important year. Her enthusiasm and passion are there for everyone to see and she sets a great example around the office so we’re certain she’s going to be a huge asset.”