‘Forget the stereotypes’ - new podcast tells real stories about Birmingham, UK

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) has joined forces with STEAMhouse - Birmingham City University’s state-of-the-art innovation centre - to launch Brumbassadors: Why Birmingham Means Business.

Launching on Monday (14 September), the biweekly podcast features influential voices from business, culture and sport, who are shaping Birmingham’s future.

Each episode explores the ideas, opportunities and events putting Birmingham on the map - from investment and innovation to major sporting occasions, cultural highlights and the city’s best-kept secrets.

Building on the success of the Chamber’s live Brumbassadors event series, the podcast champions the city’s strengths, challenges outdated perceptions and showcases the innovation, investment and talent driving Birmingham forward.

Episodes are recorded at STEAMhouse’s cutting-edge podcast studio in Birmingham’s Eastside district, with the innovation centre supporting production throughout.

In the first episode, the GBCC’s chief executive Henrietta Brealey is joined by city curator Alex Nicholson-Evans and Edgbaston Stadium CEO Stuart Cain to discuss Birmingham’s cultural strengths and international appeal – with a particular focus on the forthcoming International Day of Birmingham on 24 September.

Henrietta Brealey said: “Brumbassadors is all about telling Birmingham’s story through the voices of the people who are driving our city forward, so it’s fitting that we’ve partnered with an organisation that fosters innovation, collaboration and creativity.

“STEAMhouse is a place where ideas become reality, making it the perfect home for a podcast dedicated to championing Birmingham and showcasing the breadth of talent across our city.

“We’re excited to work together to create engaging conversations that not only celebrate what’s already happening here, but inspire even more people to invest, innovate and build their future in Greater Birmingham.”

STEAMhouse, part of Birmingham City University, brings together businesses, entrepreneurs, students and academics to collaborate, develop new ideas and accelerate growth, offering specialist facilities, business support and creative workspaces.

Professor Hanifa Shah, pro-vice-chancellor for Research, Enterprise, Engagement and STEAM at Birmingham City University, said: “Birmingham’s story is best told by the people shaping it, and we’re delighted to be partnering with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce to bring those conversations to STEAMhouse.

“This is a young, inventive and ambitious city, and Brumbassadors gives that energy a platform. STEAMhouse was built to bring people together across business, education and the creative industries, so hosting a podcast that does exactly that feels entirely right.

“We look forward to welcoming the voices driving Birmingham forward through our doors.”

Full episodes of the podcast will also be available to watch on the GBCC’s YouTube channel.