How do cities communicate ambition in uncertain times?

At a time of political uncertainty, cautious investors and rapidly evolving public expectations, how cities communicate ambition has never mattered more.

On Wednesday 3rd June, the Birmingham team of leading communications agency Grayling will bring together influential voices from across sport, investment, civic and community leadership for a breakfast panel discussion exploring how Birmingham is shaping its future – and what organisations can learn from the city’s evolving story.

Grayling is an international communications consultancy, advising organisations on reputation, public affairs, corporate communications and stakeholder engagement across a range of sectors including planning and infrastructure, transport, and energy.

Titled Communicating Ambition in Uncertain Times: Shaping Birmingham’s Future, the event will examine the role communications, reputation and leadership play in building confidence, attracting investment and maintaining momentum during periods of change.

Using Birmingham as a live case study, the conversation will explore how cities compete for attention, investment and trust – and how organisations communicate long-term ambition in a way that feels both credible and inclusive.

The panel will feature:

• Jeremy Dale, CEO, Birmingham City Football Club
• Neil Rami, CEO, West Midlands Growth Company
• Shah Begum, Head of Outreach and Social Value, United by 2022
• Joanne Roney CBE, Managing Director, Birmingham City Council

The discussion will be led by Grayling Senior Counsel Joey Jones.

Over the past decade, Birmingham has undergone significant transformation, with major regeneration and infrastructure projects reshaping both the city’s physical landscape and external reputation. From Paradise and Curzon Street to investment in culture, transport and sport, the city has increasingly positioned itself as a place focused on long-term growth and opportunity.

One of the latest and most ambitious examples of this is Birmingham City Football Club’s proposed Sports Quarter – a major development intended to create a new destination for sport, entertainment and community activity in East Birmingham. Alongside attracting investment and creating jobs, projects such as this raise important questions around identity, storytelling, trust and how ambition is communicated to businesses, investors and communities alike.

Designed for communications, marketing and corporate affairs professionals, the event aims to provide practical insight into:

• Building confidence during uncertainty
• Communicating long-term change and transformation
• Balancing optimism with authenticity
• The role of leadership, emotion and identity in shaping perception
• The future of communications in an increasingly fragmented media environment

The session will also provide attendees with the opportunity to connect with peers from across Birmingham’s business, cultural and professional services community.

The event will take place at a Birmingham city centre location on Wednesday 3rd June from 9:00AM – 10AM, with a Q&A and networking afterwards.

Spaces are limited. To register your interest or request further information, please contact:
[email protected]