Birmingham Hippodrome Hosts WHAT'S IN IT FOR BIRMINGHAM?, 15 March

Coinciding with the build-up towards the London Olympics Torch Relay in the Midlands' region, What's in it for Birmingham? Tracking the Business of the Olympics, will be a lively opportunity to consider just what the Olympics means for local and regional business people.

 

Key-note speakers Lord Jones of Birmingham Kt and David Moorcroft OBE will be assessing if Birmingham's corporate community has got what it takes to stand on the podium and win gold. And if so, at what price?

 

Andrew Connors, Lloyds Bank Area Director and a Trustee of Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Development Trust, said: "The clock really is ticking as we build up to the London 2012 Olympics and, as theOfficial Banking & Insurance Partner of the Games, we are delighted to be supporting this event which will give businesses a clearer view of what action they need to take to be 'Games Time Ready' for the greatest show on earth."

 

As a former World Champion Olympian and Chair of the West Midlands Leadership Group for the Games, Coventry-based David Moorcroft is best placed to provide analysis of the potential benefits and pitfalls of the Olympics in the region.

 

David Moorcroft said: "The West Midlands is the most successful region outside of London to have won Olympic contracts. Birmingham is massively engaged in the Olympic programme and, with the Jamaican and US athletics teams based here, the city also has the biggest profile element outside of London. The Olympics is not just about London and not just about sport."

As one of the best known champions of the West Midlands, Digby Jones is also known for his forthright and incisive views (and sometimes controversial opinions); so the audience for this event can expect some entertaining and even athletic exchanges!

 

Lord Jones, a former Trustee of Birmingham Hippodrome, added: "With a turnover of almost £20m and annual economic impact of close to £45m, it is so important that Birmingham Hippodrome has a stage capable of facilitating the world's biggest and best productions.

 

"This really matters to the businesses across the region. People enjoy working and living in places that attract and create the best in arts and entertainment. The reputation and prestige that the Hippodrome delivers, as the most popular theatre in the UK, makes it a little bit easier to make that next sale, recruit that new person and hold our heads with pride.

"The Hippodrome is a successful charity, receiving no public subsidy, and I'm delighted to lend my personal financial support to their Stage Appeal. This will secure outstanding facilities for the benefit of future generations, and I'd encourage anyone who has ever enjoyed a show at the Hippodrome to put their hands in their pockets."

 

Joining Moorcroft and Jones will be Karl Hinett a former soldier with the British Army who was badly injured whilst on duty in Basra.  Karl from Tipton, was treated at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital and has set himself a phenomenal target of running 100 marathons.   Karl, who has been chosen as one of the Olympic Torch bearers when it arrives in the Midlands, will be talking about his training regime and how he prepares for these marathons.

 

Other special guests are three of the Region's potential London 2012 Olympians, Tom Parsons, Mickey Bushell and Ryan Cockbull will be present. They will be sharing their experiences of preparing for the Games and what they hope to achieve.

 

Tickets for this event are COMPLIMENTARY and available from sallypennington@birminghamhippodrome.com or call direct on 0121 689 3068.