Birmingham Press Club financially secure after bank sponsorship deal

THE Birmingham Press Club has agreed a major new sponsorship deal with one of the city’s high profile financial businesses.

BPC, the world’s oldest press club, has struck a deal with HSBC – which is set to make the city to home of its UK retail bank.

The deal will mean the press club is financially secure for the foreseeable future.

The club and the bank share a common origin, both having been founded in the city. The press club can trace its formation back to 1865 while HSBC predecessor, Midland Bank was set up in Birmingham in 1836.

Ed James, BPC chairman, said the club was thrilled to be associated with HSBC at such an important time in its development.

“This agreement has secured the club financially for the foreseeable future and means that we can now continue to shape the club to cater for an ever-changing media scene in the city,” he said.

The sponsorship will also benefit the club’s showpiece events, the Midlands Media Awards and the Midlands Media Student Awards.

Tim Harrison, HSBC head of communications – UK and Europe, said the bank was delighted to have joined forces with the BPC.

“HSBC is establishing itself as an integral part of life in the Greater Birmingham region and the Press Club was a natural partner,” he said.