Alan Chatham
Summary of background and commitments:
With over 25 years’ property development experience I originally came to Birmingham in the late ’80s to lead Brindleyplace. I’m now co-owner of The Mailbox, a development undertaken with business partner Mark Billingham in 1998, and Director of Birmingham Development Company, whose current project is The Cube. BDC also recently purchased the former Post & Mail site in Weaman Street and this is set to be our next exciting project for the city.
I’ve long been an active supporter of Birmingham Future and its role in supporting the development of young professionals in the city. I’ve spoken at Future events, as well as participating in the Patrons Scheme for a number of years. I was also honoured to be awarded the title of Inspiring Leader at last year’s BYPY award ceremony. In addition to my voluntary role as Chair of Retail Birmingham (the city’s Retail BID) and membership of the Birmingham City Centre Partnership Board, I support a variety of activities that promote the interests of the city, ranging from arts events to panel discussions and regeneration seminars.
What I’m looking for from the BYPY candidates:
I’ll be looking for somebody that is ambitious, passionate about the city but can also have a laugh. Most importantly, I’ll be looking for an individual, not a corporate clone. Somebody that has their own ideas and already firmly knows why they want to win BYPY and what they intend to do with the award on both a personal and professional level.
Why I enjoy working in Birmingham:
I believe Birmingham is a genuinely accessible city. When I first moved from London I was immediately welcomed by the business and property community and I didn’t expect that. For me it’s the ‘getting stuff done’ that I love about working in the city. With initiatives like the Retail BID in place we have support in making things happen. As a company we have always been supported in delivering complex and ambitious projects that may not have been as easy elsewhere. During my time in Birmingham the city has experienced many physical changes, as well as a real shift in attitude. Brummies are now loving the city more and we definitely need more of that.
My thoughts on BYPY reaching its 10th anniversary:
Reaching its 10th year is a fantastic and significant milestone for the organisation. It’s testament to the young passionate team that continues to get behind Birmingham Future to get things done. Many of the real movers and shakers in the city are former BYPY winners and it’s the drive of the young entrants and their supporting organisations that keeps the scheme alive. Winning BYPY allows individuals to develop their skills and contacts in an accelerated way, as well as open new doors to fulfil their potential as a professional. Long may it continue.
2010 Sponsors of BYPY
