Data quality issues? It’s time to call in comms
Ahead of our roundtable (being hosted at Fazenda Birmingham on 5th March), Nick Brown (PR Director, Pearl Comms) shares some of his insights into the crucial role that an effective communications strategy plays when data quality problems threaten to derail digital projects, particularly in the public sector. It can often be the difference between reputational […]
Purpose Is Not a Pricing Strategy: A Challenge to the Midlands
In this article, Mark Simms OBE (Chief Executive, P3 Charity) argues that the Midlands’ rhetoric on fairness and inclusive growth rings hollow unless charities and prime contractors stop bidding for unsustainable public service contracts and take real responsibility for honest pricing and risk-sharing. Ambition and the Reality of Delivery The Midlands sees itself as […]
Experiencing Consequences Safely: VR as a Trauma‑Informed Tool for Child Knife Possession Interventions
In this article, Jimmy Bates (Development Coordinator, Virtual Decisions) explores how immersive virtual reality programmes are being used by Youth Justice Services in the UK to tackle rising concerns around youth knife crime. By providing trauma-informed, engaging experiences, these VR interventions help young people understand the real-world consequences of carrying knives, increase risk awareness, and […]
What May’s Local Elections Mean for the West Midlands — and the Future of Devolution
In this article, Chris Smith (Founder and CEO, Centre for the New Midlands) unpacks why May’s local elections may prove a defining moment for the West Midlands and the wider devolution agenda. As we approach the local elections on 7th May, there appears to be a significant divide in the public mood, more so […]
When sports-led regeneration only works on matchdays, it has already failed
In this article, Joe Anthony (Account Manager – Planning and Built Environment, PLMR) provides some reflections on the Centre’s recent Connections for Prosperity: Beyond the Sport conference. Big sporting events have tended to dominate conversations about regeneration. They bring attention, visitors and moments of civic pride. But the real test comes after the […]
‘Connections for Prosperity: Beyond the Sport’ conference delivered for the region
Sports regeneration across the West Midlands will bring thousands of jobs into the region – including 16,000 linked to Birmingham’s proposed Sports Quarter – delegates at a major conference were told. More than 250 leaders from sport, business, infrastructure and policy gathered at Edgbaston Stadium for the Centre for the New Midlands’ Connections for Prosperity: […]
Demographics Are Shifting From Bell to Bulb-Shaped
As birth rates plunge and populations age worldwide, Dan Pontefract (expert in leadership, corporate culture, and organizational performance) explores how societies are shifting from a stable “bell-curve” of young workers to a top-heavy “light-bulb” demographic that could upend economies, workplaces, and the future of growth. Since time immemorial, our society and the workplace have […]
Time for a handbrake turn
As the country heads toward a pivotal May election, Mike Leonard (Visiting Professor, Centre for Future Homes at Birmingham City University & CNM Housing & Communities Leadership Board Member) argues that incremental U-turns are no longer enough—and that it’s time for a decisive reset. In this hard-hitting piece, he warns of fraying social cohesion, rising […]
Learning important lessons from housing history
This article, authored by Dominic Bradley (CEO, Lench’s Trust and Member of CNM’s Housing and Communities Leadershp Board) traces social housing back to its almshouse origins to argue that the sector’s future may depend on rediscovering its past. From Tudor England to today’s housing and ageing crises, Dominic highlights how almshouses pioneered dignity, community and […]
Cyber – Threat or Opportunity?
In this article, Helen Barge (Principal-Senior Risk and Resilience Consultant at Barnett Waddingham) challenges the traditional narrative that cyber security is simply a negative risk to be managed and instead invites leaders to see it as a strategic opportunity. Drawing on real-world examples, government direction, supply chain realities, behavioural insights and emerging legislation, the article explores […]