As the 2010 Conservative Party Conference draws to a close in Birmingham, local businesses, organisers and delegates have hailed the event a success which has brought great benefits to the city and its economy.
Initial estimates suggest more than 14,000 extra visitors to the city for the event, including some of the most influential politicians, media and business people in the country.
Throughout the fours days an estimated £15 million has been spent in the local economy, concentrated on not just the hospitality industry such as hotels, bars and restaurants, but also hundreds of local businesses involved in servicing the needs of the conference and fringe programme themselves.
Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Throughout the week we have enjoyed unprecedented access to the most senior figures in Government, and have not hesitated in our efforts to work alongside them in ensuring Birmingham and its interests play a central role in shaping national policy moving forward.
“I personally have met a wide range of senior figures and Secretaries of State, including the Prime Minister who I took on a tour of the Library of Birmingham, and am delighted to say that all have taken a very keen interest in what is happening here and expressed genuine interest in making regular return trips to learn from what we are doing.”
In particular Birmingham’s status as an ever developing cultural destination has been promoted with not only David Cameron’s visit to the Library, but also Ed Vaisey, Minister for Culture, visiting the site and Brian Griffin photo exhibition.
Benefits to business of hosting the event have not just been limited to venues immediately surrounding the ICC, but with thousands of extra visitors in the city have also been felt in shops and businesses on a far wider scale.
Jerry Blackett, chief executive of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group, said:
“The conference gave the business community in Birmingham an opportunity to examine closely some of the government’s key proposals. Foremost among those were their intentions regarding Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and Tax Increment Financing and Accelerated Development Zones ADZs.
“At a fringe event hosted by GVA Grimley and organised by Birmingham Chamber Group, Eric Pickes, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, underlined the importance of business leadership in LEPs and praised Chambers of Commerce for their roles in establishing them.
“We will ensure that his message is taken into the business community and ensure that it plays a full role in working with the City Council.
“From the city’s point of view, it proved again that it is a perfect location for events like this and the influx of some 14,000 delegates will have been a welcome economic boost.”
The event has also seen the city enjoying a 24/7 national and international media spotlight, not only at the ICC itself but also at the various community projects within the city which high profile ministers have visited throughout the week.
Cllr Whitby added: “Above all else the city of Birmingham has once again proven that with world-class facilities such as the ICC, a diverse and modern hospitality industry, and sophisticated ability to manage large-scale events our status as a leading conference and events city is ‘second-to-none’.
“I am sure that all those visiting this week can’t fail to be impressed and am confident that as a result our reputation will grow further and more major events will continue to follow, bringing ever more economic benefits to the city in the future.”
Key ‘Birmingham’ issues and campaigns which have taken centre stage at the event have included (click for more info):
? Calls for to use the city as pilot for the roll out of ADZ/TIFs
? Birmingham’s aspirations in establishing a best practice LEP – as discussed by Eric Pickles and Mike Whitby.
? The economic benefits of pushing ahead with HS2 for the region
? A major survey revealing the importance of manufacturing to recovery
? Birmingham’s innovative model for using benefits to get people back into work
Ends
For more information contact Simon Houltby: 0121 303 3503
Related posts:
