Members of Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID) were left shaken and stirred when they took part in an engaging networking event that included a masterclass in cocktail making.
The BID held its ‘NotWorking’ event in the impressive Collaboration Centre of international marketing and advertising agency WAA Chosen, at Wrens Court in Sutton Coldfield town centre on Friday, October 7th.
Chair Angela Henderson, Centre Manager at The Gracechurch Centre, opened proceedings with an overview of work done by the BID, which recently launched a colourful new Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield brand backed by events including a new Farmers Market.
Confirming her intention to step down from the role after three years, Angela also announced that board member Alison Clack, of Cerda Planning, would be taking over as the BID’s new chair.
Andy Wilson, Group Chief Executive of WAA Chosen, then spoke to members about the evolution of the Sutton-based business, and the ethos that has made it an international success, handling world-leading brands such as Diageo, Britvic and Volkswagen.
Finally, Councillor Simon Ward, Leader of Sutton Coldfield Town Council, gave members an update on the Town Centre Masterplan, and how it will provide a framework for development over the coming years.
Then it was over to the bar, where WAA Chosen’s own gin experts – who provide training for Diageo staff across the world – took BID members through tasting and cocktail making tutorials, as well as a fascinating talk on the history of gin.
Andy Wilson explained that the NotWorking event had initially been planned in 2020 but had been postponed due to the pandemic.
He said:
“We have always supported the BID, because we’re part of the town centre, and our heritage has always been here. We started out just up the road, and are proud to be a Sutton Coldfield company, and to bring business into the town.
“It’s great to be able to share our success with like-minded businesses and also to hear what they are doing for the BID as well.”
BID manager Michelle Baker said:
“The Not Working event was a great way for members to get together to share ideas in a relaxing and informal space.
“We’re very grateful to Councillor Simon Ward for his informative explanation of plans for the town centre, and to Andy Wilson for giving us an insight into the history and ethos of one of Sutton’s most successful companies.
“We’re also tremendously grateful to WAA Chosen for allowing us to use their Collaborative Centre, which is such an impressive venue. And as for the gin tasting – it was a great way to finish the networking event and start the weekend!”
