The WOWs Awards 2023

Birmingham’s Entertainment District celebrate the success stories in and around Broad Street on a night Velvet Music Rooms take home a hat trick of Awards winning Best Bar Manager, Employee of the Year and Best Bar.

Birmingham’s unparalleled awards celebrations and events calendar kicked off 2023 with the annual Westside BID WOWs Awards. 

The WOWs (Wonders of Westside) celebrate the great and the good of Westside BID (Business Improvement District) which manages Broad Street, Brindleyplace and Broadway Plaza; Birmingham’s Entertainment District. 

The WOWs have previously been held at The ICC, Edgbaston Stadium, Pryzm Nightclub and during lockdown, online live from CRAFT Fine Dining Restaurant and Bar. This year, the format was reimagined and held at The Crescent Theatre in Brindleyplace. 

The venue and format was a huge success with the theatre demonstrating its flexibility to host an awards event. Huge thanks to all the staff at the Crescent for delivering a great night. 

Over 200 guests were welcomed by hosts Corey Hadley from Velvet Music Rooms and Jimmy Franks from BBC who introduced Andy Bennet from Ocean Colour Scene and Lorraine Olley from Westside BID.

The first set of Awards were unveiled, lets take a look at the winners;

Best Fine dining – Pushkar

Best Hotel Team – The Novotel

The Best Promo Team Leader – Joseph Jackson at Vodbull

Best Retail – Sainsbury’s

Best Doorman – Richard Keating from Reflex

Best Bar team – Popworld

Best Newcomer – Heidi’s Bier Bar

Best Arts and Entertainment Manager – James Booth, The Crescent Theatre

Best Arts and entertainment venue – The REP Theatre

The Best Promo Team – Vodbull

The evening’s entertainment then continued with the fabulous Tommy Sandhu delivering a stand up comedy set.

I’ve worked with Tommy for a number of years and his energy levels are off the scale. His attention to detail is incredible, when filmed ahead of the evening he spoke about the WOWs encompassing Broad Street and the surrounding area. Given this was his first contact with the Awards event, it demonstrated he had clearly done his homework. 

The Best Club Team – Pryzm

Best Casual Restaurant – Barajee

Best Restaurant Manager – Kostas Panagiotidis 

Best Bar Manager – Steve Goddard Emmison

Best front of house – Siamais

Best themed Night Out – The Grosvenor Casino

Best Club Manager – Jo Ellerby 

Best Door Team – Obar

Best Casual Restaurant – Jimmy Spices

Employee of the Year – Hilli Fletcher  

Years of Service Award – Connor Kingsley – Mr Mulligans

Long Service Award – Sadiq Zaman

The most impressive Refurbishment – Rosies

Best Pub – O’Neil’s @ONeillsPubs

Best Club – Rosie’s

Best Bar – Velvet Music Rooms

Andy Bennet and Lorraine Olley wrapped up the formal part of the evening before guests enjoyed a drinks reception in the Theatre bar.

Hospitality was the first commercial casualty of lockdown. The WOWs remind us of the night time economy’s contribution to the UK. Not all venues survived, those under the umbrella of large corporate entities had arguably more protection than the independents. 

It was pleasing to see this reflected in independents Pushkar and Rosies both winning two awards and Velvet Music Rooms scoring a hat trick. The teams were clearly delighted on the night.  

Big or small, it’s important to recognise the resilience demonstrated throughout this period of upheaval.   

Congratulations to all 2023’s WOWs winners who celebrated late into the night. Great job everyone.

Birmingham 2023 has officially begun.

Full link to the images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jassansi/albums/72177720305419551

The Crescent Theatre https://www.crescent-theatre.co.uk

Tommy Sandhu @TommySandhu

Jas Sansi PHOTOGRAPHY & FILM @jassansi 07930 837 505

One Night in Manchester

How much ground can you cover with 24 hours in Manchester? Jas Sansi finds out in the great Northern City

I’ve been to Manchester a number of times but never on a city break. Trips have always been work related.

I spent a leisurely 24 hours in Manchester this week to right this wrong and I can highly recommend it.

I checked the weather forecast to pick a day where it wasn’t raining. Weather in the Pennines changes faster than Prime Ministers!

Luckily it subsided, parked the car in an NCP (£20 for 24 hours) and checked into The Midland Hotel. This is a great hotel, it feels as if the city has grown around it. Everywhere is within walking distance.

@MidlandMCR https://www.themidlandhotel.co.uk

Checked in, unpacked and headed out. First stop; to visit the statue of Emmeline Pankhurst, the political activist who helped women get the right to vote. Go see this statute and hold Emmeline’s hand, its quite an experience.

Popped into the stunning Manchester Art Gallery to see the Lowry paintings. The history of Art is littered with representation from the upper levels of society. Lowry is a rare exception to that and his depiction of Working Class communities in Manchester and the surrounding areas is a breath of fresh air.

@mcrartgallery manchesterartgallery.org

Walked over to ChinaTown and had lunch at Try Thai. If you love Thai food, you’ll love this place. They have an express lunch offer for £8.95, the menu options are also very reasonably priced, and wonderfully prepared.

facebook.com/trythaiman/ http://trythai.com

If you do stay at The Midland Hotel, everything in central Manchester is within walking distance. There’s also (geek alert) an incredible Tram network that has a charming ‘toot’ you will hear throughout your stay. Bus network is also great with single fares around £1.60

Did a bit of shopping whilst in town at Slaters. Go see Sales Executive Rakesh Jairath when in store for some great customer service and a great ambassador for the bricks vs clicks retail battle. Many thanks Rakesh

Wore my new clothes for a visit to 20 Stories Manchester for a G n T. What a place. Its owned by D & D London who recently launched Orelle at 103 Colmore Row in Birmingham.

@slatermenswear http://www.slaters.co.uk

Manchester’s skyline from 20 Stories at night is phenomenal. What would Mr Lowry have made of that?

@20StoriesMCR 20stories.co.uk

Enjoyed dinner and wine at Rosso. This place is very stylish and also very friendly. United legend Rio Ferdinand is a partner in the business, a fabulous place.

@RossoRestaurant rossorestaurants.com

Slept like a baby after its first 12,000 steps. Next morning, enjoyed a full English at The Midland including an awesome lemon muffin which I took with me to enjoy later.

Walked to the Manchester Museum opposite the University. Unfortunately its temporarily closed for refurbishment but it was good to see the University district again.

Popped back to the Manchester Art Gallery and saw this iconic painting ‘A Cheetah and a Stag with Two Indian Attendants’ by George Stubbs (1764). This painting was purchased in 1970 for £220,000, the highest price ever paid for a British painting at the time.

It was partly funded by The Department for Education. Sounds like a great Levelling Up strategy for attracting visitors outside the capital.

Got back to Brum to learn Manchester City Women beat Blackburn Women 6-0 in the FA Cup. Emily Pankhurst would be smiling.

This is a place that knows how to win. Go visit.

Jas Sansi is a freelance Photographer based in Birmingham @jassansi 07930 837 505 – above pics taken on an iPhone

Park Regis Birmingham

Jas Sansi on writing and playing the music on a cocktail film for Park Regis Birmingham

Posted Friday 27th August 2021

The idea for writing and playing the music for a short film ‘The Roman-esque’ was inspired by an interview I saw with Paul McCartney.

The Beatles legend spoke about how he was spending lockdown; surrounded by family and producing an album entitled ‘Three’ in which he played every instrument as well as singing.

I thought that was incredible. And having storyboarded the film, briefed the mixologist, lit the scene and captured the footage, I decided to write and perform the music.

I’m not Paul McCartney, no one is Paul McCartney but the spirit of his adventure runs through the 39 second film.

A lot of thought went in to the music; it opens with minor chords Am, Em, Dm and Fm7. Each of these represent the ingredients of the cocktail.

The A chord strumming in a 4/4 beat represents the shaking of a cocktail mixer.

The F chord represents crushed ice being poured into a cocktail glass.

The Gm7 is the cocktail pour.

The music switches to G for the first sip.

The film ends on a C representing the ‘ahhhh’ moment of a cool drink.

Enjoy the film. Let me know what you think.

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Jas Sansi is a freelance photographer and videographer based in Birmingham.

07930 837 505 @jassansi

Old York

So good, they could have named it twice as well.

The poet Philip Larkin wrote a poem called ‘The Importance of Elsewhere.’ Its about identity and the notion of home and foreign lands. I suspect we elevate foreign climes at the expense of what we have here on our doorstep.

Holidays are automatically associated with airports and being elsewhere. The Covid19 pandemic has allowed us to re-evaluate the spaces around us. This may prove to be a positive legacy from the most challenging of times.

I’ve been to New York twice. I’d never been to York until yesterday. It was a long overdue visit. Its nothing like New York, it reminded me of Rome in parts but I’m doing it a disservice, York is incomparable. It’s a place you should experience.

An overnight stay is ideal, but 15,000 steps on a day trip will cover a lot of ground and history. The statue of Constantine the Great outside York Minster is striking. I’ve never seen a statue of him before and I’ve been to Istanbul a couple of times. The Turkish city Constantinople was named in his honour before it was called Istanbul.

Betty’s is an institution and the only time you have to queue for tea other than at a football ground at half time. Don’t be put off by the long line, it moves fairly quickly and you’re about to experience a cultural icon in hospitality.

York Minster is incredible. Pre book a tour of the tower, we couldn’t get one on the day so one for next time. There’s 276 steps to negotiate but I imagine the view is breath taking, literally.

The Shambles is the maddest street you will ever see. I’ve been to narrower ones in Prague and Venice but neither of these were streets in the sense of having shops on either side.

Great to see public performance artists and buskers back out there adding a splash of colour to the streets.

The image above is the York Minster’s Treasurer’s house. It is beautiful. The scale of the house and garden is aesthetically perfect. Note to the kids, being a Treasurer is better than being the Priest.

It was details like the gargoyle’s above that make makes York feel like Rome. These are everywhere and that’s why a two or three day trip is recommended to really get under the skin of this walled city.

The ancient ruins and surrounding walls mean York is an eternal city. It’s a living museum, a seat of learning and a glimpse into the past.

On a practical note, there is parking available in the city, take £13.50 in change with you. This will allow you more than 5 hours parking and the telephone method of paying, ‘Ringo’ is a pain. Great drummer, poor app.

We had lunch at Harkers in St Helen’s Square. This is a Nicholson pub with outside tables which is fab.

Wear comfortable shoes, take a camera and have tea and cake at Betty’s. Who needs to be elsewhere?

Betty’s https://www.bettys.co.uk

York Minster yorkminster.org

Harkers York https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/yorkshireandthehumber/harkerssainthelenssquareyork

Shambles https://www.shamblesyork.com

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Jas Sansi is a freelance photographer based in Birmingham 07930 837 505 @jassansi

Namaste Dishoom Birmingham

Jas Sansi enjoys a birthday dinner with his family at Dishoom Birmingham. 

And like the candles on his cake, he’s blown away with the new restaurant at One Chamberlain Square. 

Birmingham’s latest addition to a mesmerising food scene has been gently unveiled over recent weeks. From Michelin Star Celebrity Chefs, Digbeth Dining and Desi Grill Deliveroos, Brum’s tums have never been so spoilt for choice.

Dishoom Birmingham has landed.

Strange sounding name for a restaurant? Readers who grew up hypnotised by 1970s Indian Cinema will be familiar with the name. Dishoom is the sound effect added when the action hero socks the villain, squarely in the jaw.

Social media has been awash with the arrival of bacon naan rolls and exclusive to Brum, a mutton chaap korma. Expect a flurry of images on Instagram of the big Bombay, Dishoom’s full English Breakfast.

Dishoom Birmingham have rolled out the saffron carpet at One Chamberlain Square. The building is shared with PwC but there’s no accounting for the beauty of the restaurant’s interior. It is simply gorgeous.

Dark wood panelling, calming botanicals, ceiling fans and soaring closets showcasing Bombay goods transport you to distant lands as you step into the restaurant. 

The genius of the interior, reminiscent of a bygone era when Irani cafes peppered Bombay is this; it will improve with age. Scuffs, dents and marks will aid the restaurant’s journey from design vision to a neighbourhood favourite. We will make it our own. 

Dishoom Birmingham is spectacular in scale. 330 covers is one small step for Naan, one giant leap for Naan kind. 

Bookings are not taken for parties fewer than six. The customer experience invites you to turn up, walk in, be welcomed (everyone is welcome), sit down, order, eat, drink, settle your chit, exit and savour the memory.

In view of the Corona Virus, NHS England suggest washing your hands before your meal for twenty seconds. Alternatively sing Happy Birthday twice. If you had come with me, you could have sang it three times.

The team behind the group, including Executive Chef Naved Nasir, and Head Babus Shamil and Kavi Thakrar are credited for introducing Indian Street Food to the UK. As first cities outside of their capitals, Bombay is seamlessly twinned with Birmingham.

Bombay (Mumbai) is an incredible place. If you ever get the chance to visit, take a copy of ‘Maximum City – Bombay Lost and Found’ by Suketu Mehta. I can’t imagine you’ll get time to read it there but persevere, it’s an unparalleled insight to the place.

For local intelligence on where to eat in Bombay and how to recreate the group’s menu, pack a copy of ‘From Bombay with Love’ from Dishoom. This has been my bedtime reading over recent weeks. It’s £26 and available in the restaurant.

The food and drinks in Dishoom Birmingham are inspired by the spirit of Southern Indian states unlike other Indian restaurants in the city, which are a nod to North India. It serves up familiar dishes alongside the unfamiliar.

India has never shied away from the ability to innovate. For two thousand years India endured wave after wave of invasion. From Alexander the Great in 326 BC to Great Britain in 1608, foreigners have been drawn to its fertile soil. India in turn adapted to shifting political landscapes.

Some of India’s greatest leaders and cultural icons are celebrated on the walls of Dishoom Birmingham. Look for the photograph of Independent India’s first Prime Minister,  Jawaharlal Nehru in cricket whites. 

I was particularly struck by the photograph of Bhagat Singh. He’s not someone who will ever earn mention in British history books but his memory has never faded from Punjabi folklore. 

Bhagat Singh’s inclusion on the wall demonstrates just how much thought has gone into the restaurant’s design in a region where many people have ancestral ties in Punjab. For younger readers of Punjabi heritage, seek his picture out at Dishoom Birmingham and salute him. Your ancestors will be touched.  

The women and men on this wall represent India’s political and thought leaders. They ended the cycle of adapting to the whims of invaders, and started to set the agenda for a post colonial and free India. 

The world’s largest democracy has shaped our region’s Indian community from 4000 miles away for over 70 years. For Brummies of Indian origin, it is our collective long distance relationship.

That said, India cannot claim a monopoly on adaptive evolution. Look around in Birmingham and the West Midlands right now. Change emanates on our streets, squares and thoroughfares.

Dust hangs in the air from power tools breaking ground. Ideas are being chiseled from granite blocks of creativity.

Dishoom Birmingham isn’t here by accident. This is a city region on the up. And its marching forward at high speed too.

Dishoom offers a fresh perspective on Indian food and what an Indian restaurant in 21st Century Global Britain looks like. Their compass has steered them to a good place with perfect timing.

Namaste Dishoom Birmingham, or as we Sikhs convey, Sat Sri Akaal (True is the Great Timeless One)

You are welcome. You will flourish. We shall eat well together.

Dishoom Birmingham, One Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3AX

Jas Sansi is a freelance photographer based in Birmingham @jassansi 07930 837 505

Biden, Boris and Brexit

Jimi Hendrix Smashed Guitar at Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle. Photo ©Jas Sansi 2009

He’s gone.

Messages of goodwill from world leaders were slightly delayed allowing him to bow out gracefully. When it became clear this wasn’t happening, the tweets were fired. 

For Democrats, Progressives and Liberals around the world, yesterday was a good day in a year with little to cheer. One virus down, one to go. 

Congratulations to President Elect Joe Biden and Vice President Elect Kamala Harris.

Boris Johnson tweeted he is looking forward to ‘…working together on shared priorities from climate change to trade and security.’ 

Meanwhile back in the USA, a reporter asked Joe Biden if he could spare a few words for the BBC. Biden stopped in his tracks, “BBC?” before adding “I’m Irish.”

And there you have it, the first blow struck on the ambition for a UK-US Trade Deal.

Not a promising start on the question ‘Where does a Biden victory leave Brexit Britain?’

If the challenge of rebuilding our economy post Covid wasn’t enough, we now find ourselves isolated. The EU and USA are on the same page. The UK isn’t even in the same book.  

History tells us the ‘Special Relationship’ is strongest when UK and US Governments are politically aligned; Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, Tony Blair and Bill Clinton, Boris Johnson and Donald Trump.  

Tony Blair never recovered from his relationship with George W Bush, David Cameron and Barack Obama had a polite but by no means affectionate bond and Joe Biden considers Boris Johnson to be an ‘a physical and emotional clone of Trump.’ They haven’t even met. 

Biden will remember Boris Johnson describing President Obama as ‘…part Kenyan with an ancestral dislike of the British Empire.’ 

Social Media is suggesting if we think Joe Biden dislikes Boris Johnson, wait until we find out what Kamala Harris thinks of him. 

A Trump win would have favoured a Brexit Trade Deal between the UK and EU. Without doubt. 

Joe Biden as the BBC were informed has Irish heritage and he is resolute about defending the Good Friday Agreement. This takes the threat of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland off the table.

Northern Ireland demand full regulatory alignment with Britain so no to a border down the Irish Sea. UK Fishing Industry want control of British waters. Nissan do not want a ten percent tariff on vehicles exported from Sunderland to the EU. 

We are snookered. Despite Nigel Farage’s best efforts in the Trump Re-election campaign, we are sitting at a gaming table facing the EU, they have a Royal Flush, we are holding a busted one. 

However. The UK is a creative country. Today on Remembrance Sunday, we are reminded of our ability to solve the darkest problems. Nigel Farage would have been better advised to put that £10,000 bet on the UK finding a fix to this challenge rather than backing Trump. 

Biden may not like Boris but the two countries do like one another. Kamala Harris and Chancellor Rishi Sunak both share Indian and Commonwealth heritage. Awkward problems have been solved over Chai and Samosas. 

It may be time to bring out the best china.

Jas Sansi is a freelance photographer based in Birmingham, UK.

07930 837 505 @jassansi sansi1@btinternet.com

Conference Class

Having spent the last 12 years photographing conferences, allow me to share some of the best practice I have witnessed and captured.

I’m Jas Sansi and this is my Conference Class from the perspective of a Photographer.

1. Have a panel that reflects the audience

It’s not only diversity of colour or gender the world needs, its diversity of ideas and thoughts. And no single colour or gender has a monopoly on this.

Look at your conference panel, will the audience roll their eyes or sit up and listen. Be brave, go wider.

2. Get a Zebra

Remember your sponsors; Weave their brand into the Conference theme. If the Sponsor’s logo is a Zebra, get a Zebra. Doesn’t have to be a real one.

3. Go outside your comfort zone

A Conference Venue is the safest bet for a Conference but cities are packed with different options to host your event. Nightclubs, Museums, Libraries are just a few ideas. Think outside of the box.

4. Product Placement

Whatever your product, have it on display at your Conference. Or change it into a work of art and display that instead. Be proud.

5. Paint the venue

Flood your conference with your corporate colours. Painting with light is easier than with paint.

6. Host a seminar on a canal boat

Take delegates outside. If you’re near a canal, organise a canal boat. Birmingham has more canals and conferences than Venice.

7. Cash in on local history

Everywhere is famous for something. Utilise local history in Conference Marketing.

8. Reduce travel

Hosting a conference in a hotel removes the travel time back and forth to the venue.

Having the key note speaker on site and checked into a room ahead of their slot, is one less thing to worry about.

9. Cut the Coat

Cities have distinct districts, if you’re an edgy start up creative, host your conference in an edgy creative part of town.

10. Always look at the camera

When taking a selfie, always look at the mobile phone not the photographer taking a picture of the selfie being taken.

11. Look out for flashers

Remind photographers not to use flash during a speech. It distracts the speaker as well as the audience.

12. The Money Shot

Always capture a Press Release image that summaries the conference.

13. Trust Your Gut Instinct

If you believe the Press Release image may not work, have a back up one just in case.

14. Crowd Control

If everyone wants to be in the picture, take control even if there are VIPs in the shot. They will appreciate it.

15. Have Your Cake

Coffee breaks allow networking and refreshment. Everyone loves cake but ensure you account for Gluten Free and other dietary requirements. It demonstrates you are a details person.

16. Time waits for no one

Panel speakers are often rushing from one seminar to the next. If you want a key image after the speeches, let the panellists know before they engage in one to ones with the audience.

17. Fame

If you have famous celebrities, plan the photo call ahead of schedule. If fans are also in attendance, understand that you may have to react to events rather than trying to keep to a script.

18. Take a Walk

Stepping outside of the conference space can sometimes pay dividends if you are looking for an interesting shot.

19. Mindfullness

Encouraging good mental health is a win win.

Offering an early morning Yoga session to conference delegates communicates you have their best interests at heart.

20. Take a lead

One of the longest queues, I have ever seen at a Conference breakout session was the opportunity to meet a number of Guide Dogs.

The positive effect they had on delegates was incredible.

21. Blue Sky Thinking

If skies are clear, use outside space for photo calls. Look out for delegates wearing reactor light spectacles though.

22. The Shadows

Light is one of the most important ingredients of a successful Conference. As a photographer, it provides so many opportunities to capture the event.

23. Did I mention cake?

Apologies.

24. Tap into a Major Conference

This is a clever idea. If you are not part of a conference but still want to engage with those attending the conference, organise a networking lunch nearby and invite the individuals you wish to speak to.

25. Networking Breakfast

A networking breakfast is an effective way to welcome delegates and create a holding space during registration.

26. Welcome Tour

Organising a walking tour of the host city the night before Conference is a great welcome to the event.

27. The Games People Play

Have engaging games on Conference stands to draw people in. A Scoreboard with a Conference End prize will introduce a level of competition keeping your brand in the minds of delegates.

28. Nudge

Nudge delegates to engage with your social media platforms by offering an incentive on your Conference stands.

29. Innovate Everything

Everything can be re-invented. People may distrust change but they love innovation. Full English Breakfast on a stick anyone?

30. Hashtag

Ensure you have a Hashtag e.g. #TPC2019. Don’t have more than one. And check the hashtag before you announce it. And then announce it. Keep mentioning it throughout conference.

Encourage all delegates to use it across all Social Media channels before, during and after Conference.

31. Thanks for Nothing

Remember to thank everyone; Sponsors, Delegates, The Venue, Conference Organisers, everyone. It ends a Conference on a uplifting note. And it costs nothing.

I think that’s enough to be going on with. Thank you for reading this blog.

Jas Sansi is a freelance photographer based in Birmingham specialising in Conference and Event Photography and Film.

@jassansi 07930 837 505 sansi1@btinternet.com

Driving Traffic at Expo

Jas Sansi visits the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Expo at Villa Park.

He wonders how Exhibitors steer traffic to their stands. A blog including some great tips on making the most of Exhibiting. 

Business Expos exist to exchange information. They represent the marketing stage of business. They generate leads, ignite conversations and ultimately brings buyers and sellers together in the exchange of goods and services.

Expos make the world go round.

I’ve attended Expos for a number of years. I’ve never left without learning something, making a connection or catching up with a colleague. They’re a valuable tool in the arena of business.

CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Paul Faulkner explained their purpose ‘….people do business with people. Expos are a great way to take a little time to engage with other members of the business community. Expos provide an opportunity for more detailed conversations.’

As I walked around the Expo, I was intrigued as to how businesses attract delegates to their stands. What strategies are in play to break down barriers between both parties and light the touch paper of trade.

I approached a number of exhibitors and asked them that very question ‘how do you drive traffic to your stand?‘

Macdonald Hotels 

Kirsty Nicholls, Sales Development Manager introduced a putting green to her stand. Delegates who sink three golf balls in a row can win a round of golf.

This is a very clever hook because the Birmingham hotel where Kirsty works does not have any outside space but it allows her to tap into a new market; the Golf Fraternity.

Golf enthusiasts may need a hotel to stay in whilst enjoying their golfing holiday.

For more information email Kirsty on kirsty.nicholls@macdonald-hotels.co.uk

Brum Breathes 

Birmingham will be introducing a Clean Air Zone in Summer 2020.

The team were exhibiting today at Villa Park and shared with me a seasoned technique called Hooker, Helper, Hero; attract a delegate, discuss their needs and solve a problem they may have.

The Birmingham City Council team also use the Expo as an opportunity to inform other Exhibitors about the Clean Air Zone initiative.

I learned public buses in Birmingham are amongst the cheapest 10% in the country to use.

Go to http://www.brumbreathes.co.uk to see if your car is compliant.

Birmingham St Marys Hospice 

This much loved Charity use a bright pink colour and collateral to attract the attention of delegates.

There is also an interactive True or False quiz about the Hospice with a Chocolate reward for taking part.

Lean more about St Marys Hospice at https://www.birminghamhospice.org.uk and follow on Twitter @brumshospice 

Feature Medical Training 

Feature Medical Training (FMT) provide First Aid Training and Mental Health awareness.

The team from FMT use social media to announce their Expo attendance ahead of the event, and again when they have their stand number.

Jo explained ‘…we exchange business cards at Expo and follow up within 24 hours.‘

For more information about Feature Medical Training, Email Jo at jo.davies@featuremedical.co.uk

On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Featuremedicaltraining/

Villa Park, home of Aston Villa 

The hosts were also exhibiting at Expo.

I caught up with Isaak Damico who explained the importance of making the right impression with a strong backdrop and high quality Collateral.

They offered a business card draw with the chance to win a bottle of Champagne.

The business cards are collated and acted upon with specific queries prioritised.

Reach out to Isaak Damico on Linkedin for more information about Villa Park: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaak-d-amico-36a4b7109/

Canal and River Trust 

Expo Sponsors, Canal and River Trust look after 900 km of Rivers and Canals in the West Midlands.

They are in the process of planting fruit trees along the canal network from Birmingham to Wolverhampton. This will create the longest orchard in the world.

Local communities will be able to access and pick free fruit whilst enjoying the canals.

I learned all of this from Terry Hodgetts, Business Engagement Partner at the Trust. He added ‘…with the increase in house building, the canal network may be the last accessible green space available for people to enjoy.‘

Their stand exercises the power of chocolate to attract delegates. There are also accessible stress balls until the opportunity to relax waterside.

For more information email Terry on Terry.hodgetts@canalrivertrust.org.uk

Follow on Twitter @CanalRiverTrust

Edgbaston Park Hotel 

Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre is located on the University of Birmingham campus.

The team had a Spin the Wheel competition with a range of prizes ranging from Afternoon Tea for two, a notebook, lip balm, chocolate or a set of high lighters.

This was a very powerful tool in attracting delegates. I even tried to blag a second attempt having failed to secure the Afternoon Tea but alas, pleas for teas fell on deaf ears.

Phone 0121 414 8888 to book Mother’s Day Lunch (limited availability) or Easter Sunday lunch (both £27.50)

Birmingham City University

Tips provided by BCU included the power of eye contact and ensuring there is enough space to engage. To engage socially as well as professionally.

The exhibiting team had a Business Card bowl. These are followed up on the next day identifying specific requests and those for general information.

Email bcbsbusiness.services@bcu.ac.uk

Hands on at Work 

Wellbeing in the workplace is a key buzzword. Hands on Work provide seated massages in your office.

This company has a unique offer, whilst exhibiting, they have massage seats which are always a popular draw for visitors who may have been on their feet for hours.

In addition to this, they are also available for hire for other exhibitors. They will wear your corporate colours and provide shoulder and back massages to your stand’s visitors.

Sound good? Contact Kathy Scott on info@handsonatwork.co.uk or 07989 367 669

University of Birmingham

When exhibiting, the University often display a three foot high Wind Turbine made of Lego. This is a powerful draw for Expo visitors and ties in with the University’s Energy Agenda.

It’s eye catching and relevant.

The next University of Birmingham Business Club Event is on 31st March, more information at http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/partners or follow @KatieJatWork

 

So there you are, just a small sample of Exhibitors and the strategies they adopt in attracting delegates to their stands.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce deliver over 250 events a year including the Spring and Autumn Expo.

Join the Chamber, get involved and grow your businesses.

Link to the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce website for information on membership, events and much more: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

 

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Jas Sansi is a freelance photographer based in Birmingham, a Trustee for LoveBrum and contributor to The Asian Today newspaper 

@jassansi 07930 837 505 sansi1@btinternet.com 

 

 

 

 

 

Is Dieting worth the effort?

The countdown to the end of my diet is on.

Was it worth it? 

I have two weeks remaining of my weight loss program. Have I enjoyed the process? Hell no. Do I appreciate the extra energy shedding weight affords? Defo.

Is it worth it? Hmmm.

It’s difficult to lose weight when surrounded by temptation. The very first biblical story was temptation; the temptation to eat from the tree of knowledge.

We have all the facts we need. Poor diet choices lead to weight gain. This has negative consequences in our every day lives.

We have public parks in which to exercise. Private gyms without contracts and more miles of canal path to stroll along than you know where.

Your body is made up of 360 joints, you were designed to move

And yet, as a city region, we struggle with weight. Physical attributes affect our mental health as well as our physical.

I wish I could tell you weight loss is easy. It isn’t. And maintaining weight loss is difficult too.

As human beings, its against our instincts to be hungry. Our bodies may not need constantly feeding but our cravings do.

Try these body hacks over a period of 100 days. They worked for me, they may work for you.

• Drink water. Sometimes, your body demands hydration not food. Its easy to misinterpret signals of thirst for hunger.
• When you feel hungry, sip water. Give yourself 20 minutes. If you’re still hungry, then you may need to eat.
• Distraction. To avoid fantasising about unhealthy food, do something productive. Take a walk, swim, read, watch a film, anything that takes your focus away from food.
• If you’re watching TV and they show a scene with food or alcohol, switch channels.
• Avoid social media when hungry. Food bloggers post great food images that sprinkle a trail of crumbs to the biscuit jar.
• Get rid of the biscuit jar. 
• Check the weather forecast, if the temperature is above 10 degrees, go for a walk. 10,000 steps will take about 1 hour 40 minutes and shed your breakfast calories.
• Treat yourself to an item of clothing as soon as you notice physical change. You’ve earned it.
• Drink Green tea.
• Get 8 hours sleep.
• Take the stairs instead of escalators or lift.
• Switch to wholemeal foods; bread, pasta, noodles etc.
• Snack on mixed nuts such as Almonds or fruit if you get hungry between meals.
• Don’t have cheat days. Keep your eyes on the prize.
• Be as active as possible. Your body is made up of 360 joints, you were designed to move.

This is the toughest one and much easier said than done; accept the harsh reality that you are only shedding weight when hungry. If you are full, you either maintain your existing weight or gain weight.

Language matters; the smoking lobby, after Government decided to campaign against smoking, pressured public health to adopt slogans like ‘Quit Smoking, Stop Smoking and End Smoking.’ Why? Because Quitting, Stopping and Ending are all negative notions.

Humans instinctively don’t want to fail, and stopping, quitting and ending are all associated with failure.

Don’t think of dieting as weight loss but rather gaining lightness, achieving better health, earning more stamina. Keep it positive.

Achieving healthy weight is ironically up hill. You will stumble, you will fall, you will experience failure. We’re all human. We’ve spent thousands of years stumbling, falling and failing.

Don’t let being human stop you achieving what you want to achieve.

Is it worth it? Its’s always worth doing something positive, productive and life changing. 

 

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Jas Sansi is a freelance photographer based in Birmingham, a trustee for LoveBrum and contributor to The Asian Today newspaper.

@jassansi 07930 837 505 sansi1@btinternet.com

 

 

 

Westside BID #BoostBusiness

In the first of a series of #BoostBusiness events from Westside BID, Jas Sansi joins some of the region’s Bloggers, Business and Professional community for dinner at Celebrity Indian Restaurant on Broad Street.

 

Westside Business Improvement District (BID) exists to create a more attractive, better marketed, brighter, safer and cleaner business environment in Broad Street, Brindleyplace, Five Ways, Centenary Square, Broadway Plaza and all the surrounding areas.

The BID’s #BoostBusiness initiative supports the companies operating in the area in light of the Midland Metro Tram extension along Broad Street.

The Tram extension is a very welcome addition to the connectivity of Brum but it does pose a number of short term challenges. The work has effectively turned Broad Street into a construction site.

There’s no doubt Birmingham is transforming as it looks forward to the Commonwealth Games 2022 and the arrival of HS2. It feels like there is a lot happening right now. In my half century, I’ve never known such a buzz in Brum. It’s infectious.

As Lord Digby Jones said last week at the launch of the new Elonex office in Brum, ‘Here in Birmingham, we’ve never had a river flowing through our city to boost trade unlike every other major city in the world, but we have a people who don’t care who you are, where you’re from, the colour of your skin or what God you pray to. Our people are our greatest asset.‘

The first #BoostBusiness takes us to Celebrity Indian Restaurant. This popular venue operates above The Brasshouse occupying the entire first floor. Its sheer size is the first impression made on entering.

Westside BID’s General Manager Mike Olley welcomed the gathering of some of the region’s bloggers, business and professional community. The restaurant was originally situated next to The Birmingham Rep attracting the great and the good from the stage, hence the name ‘Celebrity.’

The vast majority of Indian Restaurants in the UK are operated by members of the Bangladeshi Community. Brum’s most famous Indian chef, Aktar Islam hails from this very background.

The Commonwealth nation is home to 163 Million people. The geography of Bangladesh is defined by the Ganges Delta. The waters are a double edged sword; an invaluable source of food in the fish they harvest but expose the nation to the catastrophic consequences of flood.

Celebrity Indian Restaurant celebrate heritage offering a number of dishes that originate from Bangladesh. Let’s take a tour of some of these mouth watering specialties.

Tandoori Jingha, King Prawns marinated in mace, cardamon, ginger and garlic, then barbecued.

Subzee Milijuli, assorted vegetables cooked in a medium strength curry sauce.

Shahi Salmon, prepared in a sauce of peppery gravy, capsicum and green chillies.

Seabass Khazana, fillets of seabass, marinated in various spices, pan fried with fresh herbs and served on a bed of creamed vegetables consisting of paprika, onions and tomatoes.

Jingha Zafroni, King Prawns cooked with distinctive herbs and spices in their shells.

Machli Bengal, Bangladeshi white fish, pan fried with fresh chillies and lemongrass then simmered in a hot and spicy rich sauce.

Cox’s Bazaar Jingha, King Prawns from the tropical coastline of Bangladesh cooked with fresh herbs and spices in a delicious sauce.

The much loved traditional Jalfrezis, Tikkas, Kormas and Bhunas are all on tap but these can be enjoyed in an infinite number of Indian establishments. The seafood selection available at Celebrity Indian Restaurant set out above allows a unique experience.

The restaurant affords an elevated view of Birmingham’s canal network. If you are a party of ten, request the table on the lower mezzanine.

The service was friendly and professional. Starters allowed a gastronomic tour of the chef’s skills and they did not disappoint. Vegetarians, Gluten Free and interestingly even a diner who did not eat onion are all accommodated without fuss.

Thank you to Westside BID and Celebrity Indian Restaurant for hosting a wonderful evening. Monday evening was chosen on the assumption the kitchen would not be stretched. It was heartening to see the restaurant gradually fill to near capacity as the evening progressed. I would therefore recommend booking to secure a table if you plan to visit over the weekend.

Westside BID has an infinite number of bars to enjoy before and after your meal. All businesses are operating as normal throughout the Tram construction works.

Celebrity Indian Restaurant is highly recommended for its seafood offer. All the roar of a Bengal Tiger and more impact than a Tyson Fury right hook.

Celebrity Indian Restaurant 44 Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2HP 0121 643 8969

http://www.celebrityrestaurant.co.uk

Westside BID http://westsidebid.co.uk

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Jas Sansi is a freelance photographer based in Birmingham, a Trustee for LoveBrum and contributor for The Asian Today newspaper.

@jassansi 07930 837 505 sansi1@btinternet.com