ABOUT THE EVENT:
Join the Centre for the New Midlands for our Reimagining the Region Summer Reception, to be held in Birmingham on Thursday 4th June from 5pm - 8.30pm.
We are delighted to be welcoming Ed Cox (Chief Executive, West Midlands Combined Authority) as our guest speaker for the evening and Suzanne Virdee, award winning TV anchor and our Event Host for the evening.
Following the discussion and Q&A, our delegates will be served a Thai buffet and have the opportunity to network over drinks in Chaophraya Birmingham.
Please note that this event is for Members of our Reimagining the Region network. Tickets are available for non-members to purchase, but this event is aimed at our members' network.
who is this event for?
Members of our Reimagining the Region network = 2 x complimentary tickets
Associate Members of our Reimagining the Region network = 1 x complimentary ticket
Non Members = £175 + VAT
A full list of our current members can be found by visiting our website
Reimagining the Region is the corporate partnership network of the Centre for the New Midlands. This event is the Summer Reception for our members who pay an annual fee to be a part of the Centre and contribute to our work across the year. Members pay an annual fee to join our network, based on the number of employees within their organisation, meaning that every business has the opportunity to get involved. We do not charge our members anything else to participate in our activity throughout the year! Once you're in - you're in! Our membership rates from 1st April 2025 are:
1-10 EMPLOYEES = £475 + VAT
11-50 EMPLOYEES = £1,150 + VAT
51 + EMPLOYEES = £1,750 + VAT
Non members can purchase tickets to attend this event for £175 + VAT. If you wish to discuss joining our regional partnershp network, please contact Chris Smith (Founder and CEO, Centre for the New Midlands) via chris@thenewmidlands.org.uk
the format:
5pm - 6pm
Arrivals and welcome drinks
6pm – 6.45pm
Fireside chat with Ed Cox (Chief Executive, West Midlands Combined Authority), hosted by Suzanne Virdee (award winning TV news anchor and Event Host)
6.45pm – 8.30pm
Thai buffet served, drinks and networking. Guests will be served canapé and finger food banquet style with the menu including Chicken Tacos, Vegetable Tacos, Thai Spiced Chicken Rolls, Crispy Belly Pork, Chicken Spring Rolls, Vegetable Spring Rolls, Salt and Pepper Chicken.
8.30pm
Close
OUR SPEAKERS:
Ed is the Chief Executive Officer of West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
His broad remit includes the smooth running of the organisation, managing the partnership and relationships with Local Authorities across the West Midlands and acting as the ‘regional convenor’, as well as leading negotiations with Government on English devolution, coordinating the agreement and preparation for the Integrated Settlement and driving the West Midlands Futures work to establish a long-term, sustainable vision for the region.
Prior to joining the WMCA, Ed was Director of Public Services and Communities at the RSA where he led an ambitious programme of work on people, power, place and inclusive growth. He previously led IPPR North for 9 years where he was a champion for devolution and much of the thinking behind the ‘Northern Powerhouse,’ working closely with several combined authorities in the north of England.
Before that, Ed was an adviser to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government where he played a key role in developing the Sub-National Review (2007) and the Empowerment White Paper (2008).
Ed has a background in community engagement. He wrote Manchester’s first community engagement strategy and was a founder of the national Participatory Budgeting Unit. He is founder and chair of the Levenshulme Inspire community hub in inner-city Manchester.
Ed is also a qualified minister of religion in the United Reformed Church and is part of the leadership team for his local congregation in Levenshulme.
Ed was previously Chair of Involve until June 2025.
OUR VENUE:
'Located opposite St Martins Church in the Birmingham Bullring you can escape the city at Chaophraya. Our team of expert Chefs, headed up by owner Kim, bring together classic Thai and distinct signature dishes, including vegan and gluten free options, accompanied by a fantastic range of cocktails, wines and beers.
With stunning views out to the Church of St Martin in the Bullring, our restaurant offers an impressive mix of classic Thai and signature dishes including gluten free and vegan options. We have extensive alfresco dining, perfect for a summer’s day.'
OUR SPONSOR:
TBC
OUR GUESTS:
This event is a Reimagining the Region members' event. We have a limited number of non-member tickets available for this event. Please note that this is a limited capacity event (70 delegates) so please book early to confirm your place and avoid disappointment.
If you wish to attend this event and your organisation is not yet a member of our Reimagining the Region network, it's not too late to join us! Annual memberships for organisations start from £475 + VAT - please visit our website for more information on how to join!
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