Alex Bishop: Back to the Future as the next generation is being heard in our city

Jul 3 2008 By Alex Bishop

From the moment Sarah Gee, Birmingham Future’s immediate past Chairman, handed her Chairmanship baton to me almost 12 months ago, I have jetted along on quite a rollercoaster journey.

Being a self-professed proud Brummie, the privilege of chairing an organisation that operates at the heart of Birmingham, both physically and strategically, has not only opened my eyes to the way Birmingham operates, but it has also confirmed, though I am not sure I needed it, my passion for the City and made me even more determined to play any part I can to ensure its positive development and progression in the future. Though, at times, taking the helm and steering the Birmingham Future vessel has been overwhelming; the dedicated individuals I have met along the way, who are all working towards a common goal of transforming Birmingham into a better place to live and work, have definitely provided a constant source of inspiration that has stimulated and fuelled my enthusiasm to fulfil this role.

During the past year, I have witnessed the growing influence of the young professionals’ viewpoints into the city’s many debates, issues and agendas and I am delighted that Birmingham Future has been invited to sit at some very important meeting tables where our voice is now genuinely heard and respected.

I like to think that Birmingham Future is now a natural partner of choice within Birmingham and our standing within the city was to me confirmed when we were invited by Birmingham City Council to be a part of the Big City Plan debate that took place last November in the Bond Warehouse.

The fact that perspectives from young professionals were sought for the Masterplan has, for me, been a momentous step forward for Birmingham Future and the city’s young professional sector as a whole. As a new Chairman takes over at Birmingham Future, they set out their core themes and ambitions for their year in office.

As I am in retrospective mood and this will be the last column I will be writing as Chairman, I hope you will forgive me if I briefly look back at my themes.

I was keen to promote Personal Social Responsibility. I believe it right that everyone in business gives something back to the community in whatever way they can. I am delighted that Birmingham Future is now part of the Thrive group which has, among other things, held a suit amnesty event and promoted the Birmingham Walks.

We have introduced a social entrepreneurs scheme to sit alongside our school engagement programme and we have staged a series of key debates on the environment and climate change.

Collaboration or as I prefer to call it ‘pulling together’ has seen the organisation partner and work with a range of other groups. We have forged productive alliances with Birmingham Insurance Institute, Birmingham Trainee Solicitors Society, the IOD Young Directors Forum and the Lunar Society.

‘Pride in Birmingham’ was my final key theme. Our first ‘Welcome to Birmingham’ event for new graduates last year was a huge success as was our Big Birmingham Debate and our Birmingham Themed Quiz Night.

Our growing prominence is increasingly being recognised by city leaders both civic and business. The sell-out Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards event that took place last month was testament to the vibrant and exciting sector we represent.

Young professionals have now been firmly positioned on the centre stage of our city and it has been widely acknowledged that attracting and cultivating fresh talents is vital for our future advancement.

Mentoring and guidance from our more experienced counterparts is essential to ensuring that our potential does not lie undiscovered. I hope the engagement and positive relationship between the business generations will continue to flourish.

Though my year as Chairman of Birmingham Future is drawing to a close, I will remain a committed Future member and will continue to play what part I can to help drive this great city forward so that I will forever be a proud citizen of Birmingham.

* Alex Bishop is national head of the Commercial Litigation team at Shoosmiths.