Backing Business Birmingham 2019

Birmingham has topped the list again for the highest number of new start-ups outside of London. Why is Birmingham so attractive to new businesses? Along with the accelerator schemes, affordable office space, access to global markets and the Commonwealth Games in 2022, there is an exciting atmosphere and buzz in Birmingham that the city is on the up and going places.

​Below are 5 great reasons why you should start a new business in Birmingham in 2019 and if you are planning your trip to Birmingham in 2022 you may be interested in this blog too. 

#1 Retail and Shopping in Birmingham

​Birmingham is an amazing place to entertain and relax, you can now hop off the train at Grand Central and walk to the Bull Ring (shopping centre visited by over 40 million customers per annum), without setting foot  outside. There are hundreds of great independent shops and high street chains in the streets that surround the Bull Ring too, including the world's biggest Primark, that recently opened in Birmingham! If you are planning on popping the question in Birmingham, be sure to head over to the Jewellery Quarter for a spot of haggling to get the best price.  ​

​​#2 Food and places to eat in Birmingham

​From not for profit vegetarian and vegan restaurants to Michelin starred restaurants, Birmingham has something for everybody (and every budget) when it comes to food and work nights out and entertaining clients. Colmore Row/ Snow Hill, Brindley Place, the Mail Box, New Street, St Pauls Square and Grand Central are all good areas of Birmingham for evening entertainment. Birmingham is home to the Balti and no visit to Birmingham would be complete without a visit to the 'Balti Triangle'.

​#3 Multiple Travel Options in Birmingham

​Birmingham's international airport, (13 million passengers in 2017) major railway stations (Grand Central and the home of HS2), extensive motorway networks, and an inner city tram make it easy to travel to just about anywhere from Birmingham, you can even travel on a barge on the Birmingham canal. True fact: Birmingham has more canals than Venice! ​

#4 Entrepreneurialism already exists in Birmingham​

• In 2017 Birmingham businesses grew by 11.5% (4,585 to 44,395). Micro firms (employing less than 10 people) made up 95% of the new businesses
• Birmingham has the largest regional financial and professional services hub in the UK, employing nearly 220,000 people in over 21,000 companies. 
• More than 34,000 people are employed in Birmingham’s digital media sector​
• 40 per cent of the UK’s jewellery is produced in the Jewellery Quarter.
• ​There are more medical technology companies in Birmingham, than in any other UK region (500 plus). 

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#5 The Commonwealth Games are in Birmingham in 2022

Birmingham will host the Commonwealth Games in 2022, the world will be watching Birmingham and it is estimated the games will generate £750 million investment in the West Midlands between now and 2022. ​

​Naomi Clews is an independent procurement consultant and freelance bid writer, based in Lichfield, (17 miles north of Birmingham) who helps businesses in and around Birmingham to save money, secure business and develop skills. Read more about Naomi's services here.

​By Naomi Clews