Members of Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (BVGS) Corporate Partnership were treated to another evening of networking, featuring high-profile guest appearances from two successful business figures.

Partners enjoyed insightful speeches from former Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest CEO, Paul Faulkner, who is now the current CEO of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, and Becky Coleman of Easyfundraising.

The event took place at the stunning Moor Hall Hotel and Spa, as guests were shown to the newly refurbished Charter Suite, where they enjoyed canapés and light networking with the other members before the speeches began.

Having worked within the city for many years, Paul’s speech focussed on Birmingham’s bright future, after being crowned hosts of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and Coventry’s triumph as the city of culture for 2021.

Touching on recent Carillion troubles, Paul went in to detail about how Birmingham has continued to succeed in the face of adversity, with HSBC moving their head office into the city, and the HS2 development making good progress.  

Following Paul’s well-received speech, Becky discussed the importance of initiatives like Easyfundraising in helping generate much needed funding for groups like the Corporate Partnership.  

Partners were shown how to log into the Easyfundraising website and shop at some of the UK’s most popular retailers, raising money for their chosen cause without any extra charge.

With some 34 registered members, the partnership has enjoyed plenty of recent growth, and the additional funding will help support further improvement of the school and networking initiative.

Corporate Partnership Development Director, Brian Davies, commented: “Following a successful networking event at Bishop Vesey’s STEM block last year, we were looking forward to delivering another insightful evening for all our partners to enjoy.

“Moor Hall Hotel and Spa is a beautiful venue, and one that was fitting of hosting the high calibre special guests speakers that attended the event.

“Paul Faulkner has been a very successful business figure in the Midlands, and many local sports fans will remember him as the former CEO of Aston Villa football club.

“Now heading up the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, Paul had plenty of experience and insights to share with our partners, explaining why he believes there is a bright future ahead for Birmingham businesses.  

“It was fantastic to have Becky Coleman from Easyfundraising speak at the event too, as she discussed the important role Easyfundraising can play in generating funding for initiatives like ours.

“Overall the evening was another success for the Corporate Partnership, and we’re looking forward to welcoming partners to the next networking event at BVGS’ Old Big School on Thursday 1 March.”