It’s more applause for City TV Broadcasting Ltd in the lead up to their application for the Birmingham Local-Digital Television Programme Licence.  Ofcom are inviting local companies in 21 cities across the UK to apply for the L-DTPS licence.  Deadline for the applications is 13 August 2012.  The new local Channel 8 will be launched in 2013.

City TV is pleased to introduce three Birmingham-based drummers as part of their musical ambassadors’ team.

(Left to right)

-       Ian Palmer, Virgin trans-Atlantic pilot, is the drummer from “The Ghosts” who are currently No.9 in the charts. Ian is Carl Palmers nephew from Emerson Lake and Palmer.

-       Des Tong, City TV Director, and ex bass player for “Sad Cafe”.

-       Bev Bevan legendary Birmingham drummer for “The Move” and “ELO”.  Bev and Trevor Burton are touring again as “The Move”.

-       Jacob McQue from the NME favourites “The Carpels”.

Jas Sansi, Jas Sansi Photography joins City TV Interim Board

Birmingham will soon be getting its own local television channel following Ofcom’s invitation to apply for the Local-Digital Television Programme Licence in 21 cities across the UK.  The government has made clear its intentions to change broadcast regulations so that local television is more commercially viable.

As part of its bid, Debra Davis has announced four new members to its Interim Development Board.

-        Andeep Mangal, Chartered Accountant, Thapers

-        Jas Sansi, Jas Sansi Photography

-        Waheed Saleem, Management consultant

-        Dr Imtiaz Rasool, Chief Executive, Skills Media UK

“We welcome the addition of four strong members from the Asian community.  We want to ensure that our application reflects the interests of all viewers in Birmingham,” says Davis.

“Wider community and business engagement is integral to our bid for the local licence. Andy, Jas, Waheed and Imtiaz have a great many ideas they can contribute to our venture.”

Andeep Mangal:  “Thapers Chartered Accountants are proud to be supporting the City TV bid, which we are sure will enhance the cultural offering of our great city of Birmingham.

Jas Sansi:  “City TV is a very exciting opportunity for Birmingham to showcase its diversity. Birmingham is a city with representation from every country and continent on earth. These voices should be, can be and will be heard on City TV.

“The spirit of City TV is an idea whose time has come, for a city that has a thousand stories to share,” concludes Sansi.

The Interim Development Board joins City TV Broadcasting Ltd: Debra Davis, Chief Executive; Alan Grindley, Founder and Vice Chairman; Derek Inman; Des Tong; Gary James; and Clare Bramley. The advisory board will focus on the business side of the proposition ensuring that business plans are robust and sustainable and that the larger Birmingham business community endorses the local effort to win the bid

The deadline for the Ofcom application for the L-DTPS licence is 13 August 2012.  It is expected that local channels will be launched in 2013-2015.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Current Interim Development Board Members are:  Diane Benussi, Managing Partner, Benussi Law; Alex Bishop, Partner, Shoosmiths; Charlotte Crossley, Head of Communications, Birmingham Science Park; Joel Graham-Blake, Founder, DEN and Managing Partner, Cultiv8 Solutions; Paul Heaven, Founder/Director, Blue Sky Corporate Finance; Katie McPhilimey, Publisher / Editor, Live 24-Seven and David Waller, Nexus Professionals.

PROFILES

Jas Sansi

Jas Sansi is a freelance Corporate Photographer based in Birmingham, a city he is passionate about. Born in the shadow of the city’s infamous Winson Green Prison, he has enjoyed the emergence, regeneration and transformation of Birmingham.

His photo assignments bring Jas Sansi in contact with the engine room of Birmingham – the political, corporate, faith or cultural leaders that are at the core of a city that supports one another. This team ethos drives Birmingham in the direction of its city motto ‘Forward.’

Every picture tells a story and Birmingham is a city not only of a thousand trades but a thousand tales. All of which Jas hopes to provide an image for on his trusted Nikon Cameras.

Jas is married to Anji, a primary school teacher. They have two young children.

Dr Imtiaz Rasool

Fashion, Digital Media and Video Communications are his specialist areas that have earned him a PhD. He has been working in the Fashion, Multimedia and Training sectors in the last 25 years.

After serving few years in Turkey and Cyprus, with American University as Head of Fashion and Media Department, he came to the UK and established Birmingham based satellite TV channel, NOOR TV in 2006.  He is also on the board of certain International Fashion & Media Institutes. In Pakistan, He has supported the establishment of two prominent Fashion & Media colleges in Lahore and Islamabad. He has produced a number of telefilms, documentaries, reality shows and fashion events.  Dr Imtiaz is currently working as CEO Skills Media UK – a digital media creative agency.

Andeep Mangal

Andeep Mangal is a chartered accountant and is the proprietor of Thapers, a practice based in Handsworth, which employs 15 staff looking after micro and small businesses, mainly from the Asian business community.

Andeep was an early adopter of social media (Facebook, LinkedIn and twitter) and was a columnist on the Birmingham Post for two years. In 2009 he was included in an annual list of the 50 most powerful people in the West Midlands.

Originally from London, Andeep is an adopted Brummie who has spent much of the last ten years building his business, alongside widening his contacts in the city.

-        He was selected for the committee of the Institute of Asian Businesses (IAB) in 2003 and in the last nine years has served as Vice Chairman (2007 to 2008), Vice President (2010 to date) and chaired the Annual Dinner sub-committee for three consecutive years, culminating in the 2007 event where there were over 1000 attendees.

-        He is currently a Board director of the Aston Reinvestment Trust, a Social Enterprise which is a loan fund, lending capital to small businesses in the Birmingham and Solihull area. Andeep also serves on the Member Services Board at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

-        Previously, Andeep has served as President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in the Birmingham and West Midlands region (2008/2009), sat on the regional Board of the West Midlands Institute of Directors between 2008 to 2010 and was a Governor of Birmingham Metropolitan College (formerly Sutton Coldfield College) between 2003 and 2010. At the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce he was elected to serve two terms on the Chamber Council (2003 to 2007), served on the Board of Business Services Division in 2005 and then in 2006 was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of BDG Direct Limited, the Business Development Group, a separate legal entity that the Birmingham Chamber formed to explore opportunities for the Chamber to generate commercial revenues. In 2003 Andeep served on an Advisory Board for the Virgin Radio FM licence application.

Waheed Saleem

Waheed Saleem is a management consultant working in the public and voluntary sectors. Previously he gained director level experience in the NHS working in Birmingham, London and Manchester, in areas including, operational management, commissioning, procurement, contract management, strategic development, GP consortium development, change management, stakeholder engagement, developing strategic partnerships, managing substantial budgets, capital development, people management and providing strategic leadership.

Waheed is currently a Trustee of NACRO, the leading national criminal justice charity; Vice Chair of the Lunar Society, the learned society in the West Midlands, Non-Executive Director of Sustainability West Midlands, where he chaired the judging panel for the first 50 Green Leaders competition and Director of NACRO Pension Fund. He previously was a Non-Executive Director of the National Crime Squad, UK Sustainable Development Commission, Meat Hygiene Advisory Committee, Rail Passenger Committee and the Government Office West Midlands.

Previously he has led major regeneration programmes and advised Government on neighbourhood renewal policy and community development and participated in a special feature for Regeneration and Renewal magazine on future regeneration skills. He has been instrumental in developing leadership programmes for young people and mentors in inner city schools.

He graduated from the London School of Economics in Social Policy and is a fellow of the RSA.

Photo credit: Jas Sansi Photography Photo caption: L-R Row 1: Alex Bishop, Partner, Shoosmiths; Debra Davis, City TV ; Clare Bramley, Canis Media; Diane Benussi, Benussi Law; Pam Morgan-Smith; Row 2: Derek Inman, City TV ; Joel Graham-Blake, DEN; Alan Grindley, City TV ; Paul Heaven, Blue Sky CF; Des Tong, City TV.; Charlotte Crossley, Birmingham Science Park; and Katie McPhilimey, Live 24-Seven. Absent: David Waller, Nexus Professionals; Gary James, City TV

City TV Broadcasting Ltd has attracted leading business luminaries to its Interim Development Board to support City TV’s efforts to secure the Local-Digital Television Programme Service (L-DTPS) licence for Birmingham.  The advisory board will focus on the business side of the proposition ensuring that business plans are robust and sustainable and that the larger Birmingham business community endorses the local effort to win the bid.

• Diane Benussi, Managing Partner, Benussi Law
• Alex Bishop, Partner, Shoosmiths
• Charlotte Crossley, Head of Communications, Birmingham Science Park
• Joel Graham-Blake, Founder, DEN and Managing Partner, Cultiv8 Solutions
• Paul Heaven, Founder/Director, Blue Sky Corporate Finane
• Katie McPhilimey, Publisher / Editor, Live 24-Seven
• David Waller, Nexus Professionals

The Interim Development Board joins City TV Broadcasting Ltd: Debra Davis, Chief Executive; Alan Grindley, Founder and Vice Chairman; Derek Inman; Des Tong; Gary James; and Clare Bramley

Debra Davis, Chief Executive:  “We are really pleased that the business community is really getting behind our efforts.  It is important that we get the local television we want and that it covers news and issues people want to watch.

Charlotte Crossley, Head of Communications for Birmingham Science Park said: “A local TV station for Birmingham will be hugely beneficial in informing people about all that happens across the city. It will be the best platform to rally support and feedback for initiatives that could drive the city’s growth agenda, and it will be able to build community spirit. City TV is committed to being based in the heart of Birmingham, employing local people and commissioning local production companies. This is the best model for local TV and one the city as a whole should get behind.”

Joel Graham-Blake, Founder The Den and Founder/Director Cultiv8 Solutions:  “City TV will provide the local platform, that will allow us all to share in the promotion of our diverse heritage and culture, showing the world why Birmingham is such a great city!”

City TV Broadcasting will announce the appointment of several more well-known members to the Interim Board in the next couple of weeks.

-ends-

If you fancy a trip to the Black Country as an alternative, also performing on 22nd March but this time at The Trumpet in High Street Bilston is a saxophonist of a more modern mainstream style; Simon Spillett together with Keith Bill on piano, Tom Hill on bass and Miles Levin at the drums.

Other dates for your diary:

16th March  JJ Wheeler Quintet at Birmingham Symphony Hall Foyer from 5:30pm.

20th March  Tim Amann X-tet are at the Jam House.

23rd March  Carole Westwood at Birmingham Symphony Hall Foyer from 5:30pm.

23rd March  Tord Gustavsen Quartet at the Birmingham CBSO Centre .

25th March  Steve King Big Band are at Artrix Arts Centre, Bromsgrove.  More information on 01527 577330.

28th March  Get The Blessing and Nick Rundle are at the Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath.

29th March  Reed and Friends a wonderfully funky bass player will be at the Yardbird Club, Paradise Place, Birmingham, B3 3HJ.

30th March  Kit Downes Quintet  at Birmingham Symphony Hall Foyer from 5:30pm

Just some of the great jazz on offer this month.

Finally please check out www.jazzkaleidoscope.co.uk  a great new site for jazz fans by jazz fans.  You will find lots of interest.

Listings supplied by Alan Musson.  Join Alan each Monday night from 9pm on 102.5 The ‘Bridge www.thebridgeradio.net for two hours of great jazz music, news, reviews and interviews. 

6 March 2012

BACKING THE BIRMINGHAM BID!  THE BIRMINGHAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUPPORTS CITY TV

The Birmingham Chamber of Commerce has offered its formal endorsement to City TV Broadcasting’s efforts to secure the Local-Digital Television Programme Service (L-DTPS) licence for Birmingham. The Chamber of Commerce is supporting City TV’s bid for Birmingham’s local TV channel.

Said Jerry Blackett, Chief Executive, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce:

‘It is clear that the City TV Birmingham team has put a great deal of effort, energy and thought to their business proposition into making local television more commercially viable. City TV Broadcasting Ltd has been a leading voice in the debate and a strong advocate of local television.

‘The Birmingham Chamber is keen to see that Birmingham is the first city to launch a local television channel.  We want to see that the licence to broadcast locally goes to a Birmingham firm that will promote local business, contribute to the local economy, engage with all wider communities and offer viewers in the larger Birmingham area the necessary news and current affairs programming.’

Debra Davis, Chief Executive of City TV Broadcasting Ltd:

‘City TV is based in Birmingham.  With BBC and ITV reducing its local remit, we want to use Birmingham as the launching pad to grow local television through affiliation, development and acquisitions.  City TV will take advantage of the new broadcast regulations being put in place by the government and Ofcom this year.

‘Our expectation is that Midlands and national investors together with local business will support a viable and attractive business proposition – and that we can win the bid for the local television licence later this year.  The benefits to Birmingham and local economy are enormous.  We will get behind local High Streets,’ concludes Davis.

Integral to the government agenda on the ‘Big Society’ and localism, the UK government has changed broadcast regulations to make local television – a critical platform for information and public engagement – more commercially viable.  A new licencing regime in British broadcasting has been set up with the expectation that Ofcom will award up to 20 local L-DTPS licenses in August 2012 with a prominent Channel 8 position.

City TV Broadcasting Ltd intends to file an application for the licence for Birmingham with the emphasis on the City TV brand – high production values, entertaining programming and substantial local news and current affairs offering.  City TV is in high level talks with major players in the industry and welcomes further expressions of interest from the business community.

-end-

For more information on City TV Broadcasting Ltd, or to arrange an interview, email: debradavis@citytvbroadcasting.co.uk; telephone:  07581 366 018

For more information on the local television framework:  www.culture.gov.uk

Ray has taken over the jazz programming for Thursday nights at The Yardbird bar venue in Paradise Place.

The Yardbird nights run from 9pm to 11.30pm and entry is FREE. 

Here’s details of what’s on offer over the next few weeks:

February

16th  Californian bass player, vocalist and voiceover  artist Tom Hill and his all-star Quartet featuring Andy Shillingford on saxes, Pete Harris on guitar and Neil Bullock at the drums.  The Band will be playing a mix of jazz, blues and funk from the Yellowjackets, Herbie Hancock, Muddy Waters and Maceo Parker.

23rd  Simon King Trio.

March

1st    Chris Bowden Trio.

8th   Miles Levin Band.

15th  JJ Wheeler Quintet.  Described by Metro Newspaper as “One of the UK’s hottest acts”.  Post BeBop, rhythmically driving music.  They will be playing tracks from their debut album “Unconventional” which will be issued by Mongrel Records on 1st March.

22nd   Carol Brewster.  One of the very best singers ever to have come out of Birmingham.  Handsworth born Carol has worked with Chaka Khan.  Carol will wow you with her  mix of jazz and gospel.

29th  Reed and Friends.  A regular at The Yardbird and an exceptional bass player.  Reed will be joined by his always funky entourage.

Thursday jazz nights at The Yardbird is a new venture by Roy and deservs your support.  The venue is easily accessed and is comfortable and benefits from a great sound system.  The sessions have been successfully running since January and many other exciting acts have already been booked to take us through to mid-May.

Listings supplied by Alan Musson.  Catch Alan’s  Jazz Kaleidoscope each Monday night from 9pm on 102.5 The ‘Bridge www.thebridgeradio.net 

Debra Davis, Paul Davies and David Kuczora

CITY TV BROADCASTING REACHES OUT TO THE BROADCASTING COMMUNITY IN BIRMINGHAM

Debra Davis, Chief Executive of City TV Broadcasting Ltd, announces the formation of the City TV Producers’ Workshop to assist with the City TV bid to win the local television licence in Birmingham.

“City TV Broadcasting will be applying for the Local-Digital Television Programme Service (L-DTPS) licence in the spring for the Birmingham area.  Our support is strong and continues to grow,” says Davis.

“It’s absolutely critical that we involve the broadcasting community based in Birmingham to identify the best ways to get high quality, entertaining and informative programming on air and on-line in the most affordable way as well as to help with the application itself.  While we will never be able to replace the world-class reputation of the BBC, their cuts in Birmingham will be noticed.  We want City TV to be well placed then to partially fill the vacuum and to support the independent broadcast sector.”

Paul Davies, Junction Media:  “Junction Media recognises that this bid is about high quality, compelling television from local providers. We have a critical mass of superb quality television professionals in and around our city, some of them sadly under-utilised, all of them ready and waiting to respond to the challenge that City TV Broadcasting offers. Birmingham has always been the city of innovation, this gives our sector the chance to makes its mark through this ground-breaking opportunity.

Julia Higginbottom, Rebel Uncut:  “The traditional media landscape in Birmingham has been eroding for the last decade and with it the image of the City. Much exciting work has been done to change attitudes with an increase in digital output in the city, by many like us at Rebel Uncut.  I hope that local television in all its various guises will add to a reshaping of the media output in the city. City TV is particularly well placed to take advantage of the opportunities of bridging old and new media. Birmingham should aim high and tell the city’s stories well daily.”

“I was motivated in part by a recent meeting hosted by Gisela Stuart, MP and Cllr Martin Mullaney, Cabinet Member for Birmingham City Council, with the independent broadcast community.  There is a plethora of television and radio experience in Birmingham – creating a wealth of programming.  As a city we need to pull together, to invest in talent, foster that entrepreneurial spirit in the creative industries and offer a platform for people to see what is being produced locally,” concludes Davis.

Integral to the government agenda on the ‘Big Society’ and localism, the UK government has changed broadcast regulations to make local television – a critical platform for information and public engagement – more commercially viable.  A new licencing regime in British broadcasting has been set up with the expectation that Ofcom will award up to 20 local L-DTPS licenses in August 2012 with a prominent Channel 8 EPG position.

City TV Broadcasting Ltd intends to file an application for the licence for Birmingham an emphasis on the City TV brand – high production values, entertaining programming and substantial local news and current affairs offering.  The intention is to secure other licences in the future either through development, acquisition or affiliation once Birmingham has proven to be a successful model for local television.

As part of the bid City TV is creating the City TV Local Co-Production Fund.  The City TV Producers’ Workshop will be an advisory committee of freelance television professionals to provide specialist advice on affordable and quality programming during the application process; to draft the guidelines for the Co-Production Fund and assist with fund-raising for that Fund; and to look at how the industry can expand their capacity in the longer term.

End

Editor’s note:

For more information on City TV Broadcasting Ltd, or to arrange an interview, email: debradavis@citytvbroadcasting.co.uk; telephone:  07581 366 018

CITY TV BROADCASTING APPOINTS CANIS MEDIA

Debra Davis, Chief Executive of City TV Broadcasting Ltd announces the appointment of Canis Media as broadcast consultants to support the launch of Birmingham’s local television channel and application for the Local-Digital Television Programme Service (L-DTPS) licence.

Debra Davis says:

‘We want to work with experienced professional advisors to ensure that our team can concentrate on our bid.  With the right team we can ensure that City TV offers high production values, entertaining programming and substantial local news and current affairs offering.  The appointment of Canis Media shows how serious we are about launching City TV.’

‘Our intention is to pre-empt our application for the DTT licence by launching on another platform first, such as Sky, and on broadband.  We intend to get programmes on air within the next few months – once funding is in place.”

‘We believe that Birmingham is one of very few cities able to support local television on multiple platforms and the team at Canis Media has the expertise and track record to do the job,” confirms Davis.

Clare Bramley, Canis Media’s Head of Local TV, says

‘We are very excited about working with the team at City TV.  They have great plans for the city’s TV channel, and I agree that launching on a platform such as Sky will strengthen their bid for the local TV licence.  As the UK’s leading broadcast advisors we can help City TV to do that easily, and enable them to start generating the revenue to support future growth.’

Ends

Editor’s note:

Canis Media:

Canis Media is the UK’s leading broadcast advisor on launching television services.  The team at Canis has worked on more than 80 launches in the UK and around the world.  In 2010 Canis opened a local television division to assist applicants looking to launch new local TV channels.

For more information on City TV Broadcasting Ltd, or to arrange an interview, email: debradavis@citytvbroadcasting.co.uk; telephone:  07581 366 018

APPOINTMENT OF NEW DIRECTOR STRENGTHENS CITY TV BOARD

City TV has announced the appointment of local businessman Derek Inman board of the local TV company, City TV Broadcasting Ltd, which is in the early stages of launching a local TV channel for Birmingham.

Chief Executive, Debra Davis welcomed the appointment saying; ‘Plans are moving rapidly ahead to launch City TV in the Birmingham area.  Derek’s appointment follows two successful business briefings that attracted 150 people.  We clearly have an exceptionally attractive investment opportunity and City TV is gaining support with business leaders like Derek, and the wider business community.

‘We are thrilled that Derek has joined the team.  He is the first of our new appointments.  He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our venture – especially from his previous role as a member of Ofcom’s English Advisory Committee and as Head of UK Regions for BT.  He understands the mission and vitality that City TV can bring to Birmingham.’

Derek Inman:  “This is such an exciting opportunity for Birmingham.  The government is changing broadcast regulations to help make local TV more commercially viable.  Our intention is to pre-empt our application for the DTT licence by launching on other platforms first, such as Sky and on-line.  We intend to get programmes on air within the next few months – once funding is all in place.

‘I am particularly excited by this initiative because it is the only one I am aware of that is being put together by local people who have a passion for Birmingham, and who want the station to be run from Birmingham – with local programming by local people.  Our ambition is to make Birmingham a media super hub.”

The government has recently announced its plans for a new local television framework which includes affordable transmission and a prominent electronic programme guide (EPG) number.

City TV Broadcasting Ltd intends to file an application for the Local-Digital Television Programme Service (L-DTPS) licence for Birmingham with an emphasis on the City TV brand – high production values and entertaining programming.

The intention is to secure other licences either through development, acquisition or affiliation once Birmingham has proven to be a successful model for local television.

End

Profile of Derek Inman:

Derek Inman was former Head of UK Regions for BT, based in Birmingham. Since taking early retirement, as well as various charity directorships, he has had a number of other roles. These include: Chair, Birmingham Forward; Chief Executive, Birmingham & Black Country Community Foundation; and membership of Ofcom’s English Advisory Committee.

For more information on City TV Broadcasting Ltd, or to arrange an interview, email: debradavis@citytvbroadcasting.co.uk; telephone:  07581 366 018

For more information on the local television framework:  www.culture.gov.uk

Now, we could focus on all the doom and gloom surrounding it, however, as difficult as it is at times – particularly for those being put out of work as a result – focussing on the negative isn’t going to change the situation miraculously. So, whilst we might be despairing about the fact that our high streets are looking gloomier than they have ever done before (and by the way, I have my own opinions on this which I will mention later), there is some good news for retail in Birmingham.

Over the past few months we’ve seen a nice little handful of new openings and start-ups. The most prominent of these is of course The Cube at the Mailbox. First of all we had Adee Phelan’s salon opening – which I reported back on previously – and since then we’ve seen the much anticipated opening of The Club and Spa, which I am now a member of. Having once been both member and employed by David Lloyd Leisure, followed by being a member at other major chains Virgin Active, Bannatyne’s and one of the new ‘cheap’ gyms that have popped up of late, I have to say I am very impressed. (Lucky, really, since I’m now tied into a rather pricey 12 month contract). Also opening is Hotel Indigo, and of course the other much anticipated venue, Marco Pierre White’s Bar and Grill. Now, I’d love to be able to tell you what MPW’s Bar and Grill is like, however apparently my invitation this time around got lost in the post. Hmmm.

That’s not all, however! The next venue set to open in The Cube is the Brazilian restaurant Rodizio Rico. Promising to bring us live Brazilian music and a feast of Brazillian food, this is one place I simply cannot wait to be open. And the best thing about it? It’s practically on my doorstep.

The Cube aside, Birmingham has seen a couple of independent retailers and ventures set up shop recently too. Late November/early December saw the launch of brand new, Birmingham born and bred jewellery line LaLa Rocks. LaLa Rocks is the brainchild of our very own Carla Hancox, who began making a few bracelets for friends, before turning it into a business. Carla has so far designed a fantastic line of bracelets made of semi precious stones sourced from the Jewellery Quarter. Prices range from £49 to £200 (for the ‘Ultimate Gold’ 9ct gold bead bracelet) and have even been snapped up by a couple of premiership footballers and their WAGs, such are their beauty.

Another retailer that has recently opened in the Burlington Arcade is Bonbonniere; a bespoke, luxury lingerie store. This one I still have on my list to check out since for some reason my opening invitation flew straight into my junkmail instead of my inbox (don’t you just hate spam filters sometimes). But such is life. January payday may see my first visit!

There are of course other fantastic little brands and retailers that are perhaps so well known in this city, and we as Birmingham residents should be supporting them. So the high street chains are crumbling somewhat. Do you know what? Life without Woolworths hasn’t been so bad at all. Not great for its many former employees, but when we have original, independent stores popping up, I say Birmingham certainly has something to shout about.

Now, back to my previous comment on my personal opinions about the fledgling high street. All I will say is: as important as technology is (and believe me, I couldn’t live without it), why don’t we all get off the online stores, get off our backsides and pay our high street stores a visit. Then, why don’t we pay with actual, physical money [gasp]. Because do you know what? The high street didn’t really struggle so much before online shopping went mainstream. And one more thing; a hacker ain’t going to gain access to your personal details when you’re not entering it online. Just a thought.