Brumbassadors: Why Birmingham Means Business

002 | Birmingham Tech Week: What are the strengths and gaps in the city's tech ecosystem?

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 06:30:00 +0100

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The second episode of Brumbassadors: Why Birmingham Means Business focuses on technology in Birmingham.

With Birmingham Tech Week approaching (19–23 October), the GBCC's deputy CEO Raj Kandola is joined by Jason Sahota, chair of TechWM, and Professor Hanifa Shah, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research, Enterprise, Engagement and STEAM at Birmingham City University, to explore the strengths — and the gaps — in Birmingham's tech ecosystem.

They discuss why the region excels in med tech, fintech and professional services tech, why "scale-up" is the missing piece compared with the US, and why a single physical hub for founders — like Austin or Paris — could change the game.

In this episode:

Birmingham's tech ecosystem - strengths and specialisms
BCU's Future Founders Fund
Why 'scale-up' is the region's real challenge
Birmingham Tech Week - what it is and how it's evolved
Support available for SMEs and founders
Why Birmingham needs a physical "nucleus" for tech

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001 | International Day of Birmingham: What's got us feeling bullish about Brum?

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 06:30:00 +0100

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Welcome to the first ever episode of Brumbassadors: Why Birmingham Means Business - the podcast championing Birmingham, brought to you by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and Steam House.

In this first episode, the GBCC's CEO Henrietta Brealey is joined by Stuart Cain, chief executive at Edgbaston Stadium, and Alex Nicholson-Evans, city curator director behind Birmingham Light Festival, Birmingham Restaurant Festival and the new Birmingham Jewellery Biennial.

Ahead of International Day of Birmingham on 24 September, Stuart and Alex share what's got them feeling bullish about the city right now - from the Jewellery Quarter's Worldcraft City status to Edgbaston's Ashes 2027 preparations and Birmingham's food scene.

They also set out a simple call to action for every listener - share what you love about Birmingham and challenge anyone talking the city down.

In this episode:

What International Day of Birmingham is, where it came from, and what's on for 24 September
What's got Stuart and Alex feeling bullish about Birmingham right now
Birmingham's World Craft City status for jewellery and the new Jewellery Biennial
Edgbaston's Ashes preparations and the new Radisson RED hotel
Snack time - top picks from Birmingham's food scene

More from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

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More from STEAMhouse

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Welcome to Brumbassadors: Why Birmingham Means Business

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0100

Become a Brumbassador and carry on the conversation.

Welcome to Brumbassadors, a platform for amplifying good news and opportunities across business, culture and sport in Birmingham.

The Brumbassadors podcast series brings you the real stories behind one of the UK's most exciting city-regions.

Whether we're talking investment and innovation, major sporting occasions, cultural highlights or Birmingham's best-kept secrets, every episode shines a spotlight on the people and stories shaping our city's future.

Subscribe today and discover why there's never been a more exciting time to be part of Birmingham.

Brumbassadors is brought to you by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with STEAMhouse at Birmingham City University.