Downtown in Business hosted a Leaders Lunch with Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council and Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands, Sharon Thompson on Thursday 14th November.
The roundtable event brought twenty private sector leaders to Unique Venues Birmingham and the discussion was expertly chaired by Kevin Johnson of Urban Communications who managed to rapidly run through some key challengers for Birmingham City Council, whilst drawing out the vast number of opportunities for the city and wider city region.
Sharon kicked off by giving attendees an insight into her back story and route into politics, describing herself as ‘someone who didn’t vote or follow politics’ in earlier life before quickly finding herself shadowing Cllr Ian Ward whilst working as a community development officer only a few years later.
Sharon talked DIB members through the council’s improvement journey, local government finance, devolution, working with a Labour government, economic growth and housing and homelessness, all of which she spoke passionately about.
Downtown in Business MD, Chris McKenna said “Despite Birmingham City Council’s well-known problems, Sharon is certainly someone you would want around to be part of the solution. Bright, articulate and someone who clearly cares deeply about the place and its people.”
Downtown will host Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and new MD for Birmingham City Council, Joanne Roney early in the New Year. Look out for details on how to register for these and further events soon.
