Over the last 12 months, we have visited numerous recipients of our Millennium Point Charitable Trust Small Grant programme to see how they are progressing with their respective projects.

Our visit to Montgomery Primary Academy school in Sparkbrook, Birmingham, proved particularly insightful and interesting.

The school welcomed grant recipients The Play House, a leading theatre-in-education charity making participatory drama for children and young people in the midlands.

Daughters of Invention

The Play House delivered their interactive theatre project “Daughters of Invention”, funded through a grant from the Millennium Point Charitable Trust in 2019.

“Daughters of Invention” is an educational performance based on engineering history. The project brings real-life engineers together with actors and storytelling, designed to raise young peoples aspirations and inspire interest in engineering. 

Women in Engineering

In particular, the project seeks to inspire girls into engineering and elevate the work of female engineers. The Play House brings to life the nineteenth-century Birmingham-based engineer Sarah Guppy, who, alongside being a prolific inventor was also the first woman to patent a bridge.

A unique experience

This unique experience proved beneficial to the pupils, who enjoyed a different sort of lesson, thanks to the acting skills of Play House Head of Programmes Juliet Fry and her team.

Over £400,000 grant funding has been used across a variety of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) related activities, from creating dedicated resource rooms at schools, funding learning clubs, running activity programmes and organising careers fairs encouraging girls into STEM.

We would like to thank the staff at Montgomery Primary Academy for being so welcoming to Millennium Point and our Interim CEO Abbie Vlahakis.

Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands. 

We’ve asked our mums and dads in the Millennium Point team to share some easy ways to keep the kids entertained while in lockdown, and hopefully help reserve a bit more time for parents to wind down during all this chaos.

Now that the Easter holidays are over, the kids would usually be back at school. While teachers will have set school work, we appreciate it can be hard to keep them engaged. Let’s get started!

Worksheets

There are various websites offering online and printable worksheets for children of all ages, many are free of charge and can help make the most of time spent out of school. It could be helpful to allocate a certain area of your home as the ‘classroom’ to visit at the same time every day, perhaps after breakfast, and help establish a routine when doing these worksheets. 

Here are some great ones we found-

Physical Activity:

If your children are especially energetic, worksheets might be the last thing you’ll want to try. At-home workout videos from YouTube could be a fun way to help get all their energy out without even needing to go outside. A simple game of “Duck Duck Goose” or “Simon Says” are great alternatives for younger children.

 

Arts & Crafts:

You can look up some easy DIY projects with the materials you have laying around at home, print out some colouring pages that align with your children’s interests or if you’re daring enough, bring out the acrylic paint. Collaging or making some quarantine couture jewellery with leftover yarn and beads are a great option too.

 

Games Nights

Games nights are great because you can tailor them to the age and interests of your children, be it puzzles and quizzes or themed treasure hunts. You could allocate the same night every week as games night to create some really nice memories and maybe even a post-lockdown tradition.

Cooking/Baking:

The internet is overflowing with child-friendly recipes, so it might be fun having a look to see what dishes your children might enjoy making and then working with them to create a little recipe book. Smoothies are a great example of simple and easy recipes to follow, or you could just buy ready-made fairy cakes and get creative with the decorating!

Here are some great recipe websites:

Gardening:

This one might not be for everyone, but it’s a great way to make the most of this lovely weather and it can be a lot easier than you think. Growing super easy plants like cress is perfect for younger children and Marigold flowers are a good option for slightly older children. Why not also start your own line of produce with some tomatoes or cucumbers?

Movies & Podcasts:

If all else fails or you just need a little more time to yourself, sticking on a movie (or entire franchise) never hurts. Preparing snacks or building a fort with bedsheets and sofa cushions might add a bit of excitement back into this activity if you’ve watched lots of movies together already. Podcasts and audiobooks are a great option too, and a nice addition in the background of a different activity.

Here are some great child-friendly podcasts:

We hope you’ve found these suggestions helpful as we understand how difficult it can be to stay resilient during such unprecedented times. You may be so busy looking after your family, that there’s little time left to take care of yourself. Remember that you are not alone and if you are struggling in any way, please be sure to keep in regular contact with friends and family online or over the phone.

Should you need any advice or guidance, you can find a support group near you by visiting https://covidmutualaid.org/local-groups/. You can also join the CovidAidUK Group on Facebook and for further support, visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirusoutbreak or www.supportline.org.uk/coronavirus.

Stay home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.

250 students from 22 schools and colleges across the West Midlands descended on our landmark venue, Millennium Point, last month in Birmingham to take part in an eclectic festival of employment workshops and careers activities, designed to inspire interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) opportunities.

What is it?

Funded by our charitable trust and delivered by social enterprise Ahead Partnership; one of several recipients of the 2019/20 Millennium Point Charitable Trust’s Small Grants Programme, #STEMFestWM saw local businesses join forces to address the STEM skills deficit and help to maximise the sector’s potential to incite regional economic growth.

The second hugely successful festival was hosted in our multi-award-winning venue over 3 days and attracted an exceptional turnout of young people and employers, so much so that the festival was oversubscribed with requests from school and college to attend.

The second hugely successful festival was hosted in our multi-award-winning venue over 3 days and attracted an exceptional turnout of young people and employers, so much so that the festival was oversubscribed with requests from school and college to attend. (image courtesy of Ahead Partnership)

What happened?

Supported by numerous reputable businesses from across the West Midlands including PwC, InterCity Technology and Pinsent Masons, #STEMFestWM provided local employers with the opportunity to engage directly with secondary school and post-16 students, aiding their employees’ personal development whilst raising awareness of careers and opportunities within the STEM sector.

The first day of activity saw over 150 female Year 8 students come together at Millennium Point for the #GirlTechWM event to learn more about the Digital and Technology sectors across rotational mini-workshops run by a host of local employers.

The last day of activity proved most popular, with around 180 Year 9 and 10 students partaking in speed-networking style workshops and interactive careers panels. Post-16 students were also invited to visit PwC, InterCity Technology and Pinsent Masons offices throughout the week, to gain first-hand of experience of what it’s like to work for the organisations involved.

Addressing the regional skills gap

In a region where 89% of STEM businesses face difficulty recruiting the necessary talent, the extremely high demand from West Midlands schools demonstrated the appetite for careers activities focused on STEM roles amongst young people.

We’ve talked previously about the importance of addressing the STEM skills gap in the West Midlands and how we are facilitating change through supporting wonderful partners such as Ahead Partnership.

Following the first day of #STEMFestWM, 73% of students that attended agreed that they would now consider a career in the digital and tech sectors – which are projected to bring in more than £1.3bn alone to the West Midlands by 2025.

This 3-day festival follows in the wake of last year’s event — also funded and hosted by Millennium Point.

“A clear need for this type of initiative”

Stephanie Burras CBE, Chief Executive of Ahead Partnership, said: “We are very proud of the success of our second STEM festival in the West Midlands.”

“The growing scale of this event demonstrates a clear need for this type of initiative in the region, and it is our mission to equip young people with better awareness of and access to the fantastic opportunities available to them.”

“The STEM sector has significant potential to add huge value to the West Midlands economy, and with exciting milestones for the region approaching, such as the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the number of roles out there and the pressure to fulfil these is only going to increase. As such, we are proud to be supporting the region’s growing skills demand in a way that is inclusive and accessible to young people.”


(Above) We catch up with Stephanie Burras, Chief Executive of Ahead Partnership for a closer look at what they do and the funding they received from us in 2019.

Abigail Vlahakis, CEO of Millennium Point, said: “2018/19 marked an incredibly successful first year for our Small Grants Programme and we are delighted to have been able to build on this activity in 2019/20, with a programme of STEM activities which is even bigger and more diverse in scope.

“Our region has great potential for growth in the STEM sector, but we are facing concerning difficulties in meeting the sector’s skills demand. Ahead Partnership’s work is aligned with our own ambitions to enhance STEM learning and career aspirations in the West Midlands, and we’re delighted to fund this hugely worthwhile project that has seen so many young people leave engaged and inspired.”

Katherine Bond, National Schools Engagement Manager at PwC, also added: “The STEM sector in the West Midlands is becoming one of our most important industries and this festival is a fantastic way for young people to become more aware of upcoming opportunities, whilst helping us to future-proof our own workforce pipeline.

“This event has grown in size and scale this year, along with the skills demand of our region, and so we’re proud to have worked with Millennium Point Charitable Trust, Ahead Partnership and the other businesses involved as part of this incredibly important initiative once again, which will not only benefit our sector, but more importantly, our young people.”

Footage from the festival was recorded by media students from South & City College and shared across social media. The festival forms part of a busy calendar of skills initiatives delivered by Ahead Partnership across the country that seek to raise young people’s career aspirations, help businesses acquire sector-fulfilling talent and develop young people’s social capital.

Any employers interested in finding out how they can support this work can find out more by contacting Ahead Partnership on 0300 124 0496.

Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands. 

What is thought to be the world’s oldest railway roundhouse has been unearthed by HS2 Ltd at the construction site of its Birmingham Curzon Street station, opposite Millennium Point.

What was found?

The discovery was made during archaeological investigations ahead of the construction of the station as part of HS2’s initial programme of trial trenching at Curzon Street. What was revealed was the remains of the station’s roundhouse, exposed toward the south-eastern corner of the site.

Image of the roundhouse unearthed during archaeological excavations of the site. (image courtesy of HS2 ltd.)

The surviving remains include evidence of the base of the central turntable, the exterior wall and the 3ft deep radial inspection pits which surrounded the turntable.

Further details on what was unearthed can be found here.

What’s a roundhouse?

The roundhouse, and specifically the turntable, was used to turn around the engines so locomotives could return down the line. Engines were also stored and serviced in these facilities. The railway’s 1847 roundhouse at the southern end of the line is now better known as the world-renowned Roundhouse music venue in London’s Camden.

A little history…

Built to a design by the 19th-century engineer Robert Stephenson, operational on 12 November 1837 –It was situated adjacent to the old Curzon Street station, which was the first railway terminus serving the centre of Birmingham and built during a period of great significance and growth for the city.

Lithograph, drawn and lithographed by J C Bourne in 1838 showing Birmingham station on the London & Birmingham Railway.

The 19th-century station at Curzon Street is among the very earliest examples of mainline railway termini. Initially providing passenger services, Curzon Street originally consisted of two station termini, servicing the London and Birmingham Railway (L&BR) and the Grand Junction Railway (GJR); before being converted to a single goods station (following the opening of Birmingham New Street Station in 1854), and which operated until the 1960s.

A very rare image of Curzon Street from 1955 when it was used as a goods station. (Photo credit D J Norton)

Beginning at Curzon Street Station, Birmingham, and finishing at Euston Station in London, the 112-mile long L&BR took 20,000 men nearly five years to build. It has been estimated that to build the railway, construction workers shifted more material than the ancient Egyptians did when they constructed the pyramids.

The L&BR terminus opened to passengers in 1838 and was fronted by the grand ‘Principal Building’ which survives in situ (as do elements of the GJR neo-classical screen wall). This Grade I listed building represents the world’s oldest surviving piece of monumental railway architecture. Various structures were demolished from 1860 to 1870 to allow for the expansion of the goods station, including the engine roundhouse.

What happens next?

The archaeology undertaken ahead of the construction of the new Curzon Street station will record the historical significance for the site and determine whether the remains can be preserved in situ.

Archaeological excavations are due to take place on the site between mid-February and mid-March, uncovering the roundhouse and other historic railway structures for the first time, including the remains of the Grand Junction Railway terminus.

Jon Millward, Historic Environment Advisor, HS2 Ltd, said: “HS2 is offering us the opportunity to unearth 1,000’s of years of British history along the route and learn about our past.”

“The discovery of what could be the world’s oldest railway roundhouse on the site of the new HS2 station in Birmingham City Centre is extraordinary and fitting as we build the next generation of Britain’s railways.”

HS2 will see the site become home to a new intercity terminus station, located directly opposite our landmark public building and conference venue – which too was the catalyst for regeneration in Eastside back in late 1998 – and will be the first built in Britain since the 19th century.

Birmingham Curzon Street station will be at the heart of the country’s new high-speed railway network, providing seven platforms, a new public space, and be integrated with an extended tram network.

CGI view of the new Curzon Street Station from Millennium Point (Image courtesy of HS2 Ltd)

For regular updates on project please visit the HS2 website here.

Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands. 

Staff at Bishop Vesey Grammar School, Sutton Coldfield, have been putting their design technology equipment and technical knowledge to good use to produce crucial personal protective equipment (PPE) for NHS staff and key workers at several hospitals and nursing homes across Greater Birmingham and the Black Country.

What are they doing?

Staff with the help of several year 7 students have produced 480 mask clips and 32 face visors using materials available. Machines used to produce the vital protective equipment have primarily been a laser cutter. Additional components have been produced using a 3D printer purchased using the grant funding awarded to the school in 2018 by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust as part of our annual STEM grants initiative.

This initiative by the school comes as a response to growing national concerns over insufficient supplies of PPE, crucial to protecting staff on the front line of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Visors produced at the school using equipment funded by Millennium Point.

Headteacher at the school, Dominic Robson comments: “These are very challenging times for our health service.

“Design Technology staff at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, Skye Bowen and Andrea Gregory, answered the call to use their skills to create PPE for our front-line NHS workers.”
“They want to do even more and that’s why we are appealing for support from the business and wider community.”

Where is it going?

The PPE equipment already produced has been delivered to Good Hope Hospital; Sandwell Hospital, City Hospital, New Cross Hospital, Heartlands Hospital and Walsall Manor Hospital; and are currently being used by staff treating patients.

More support needed.

Several hospitals and nursing homes have come forward to request PPE equipment from the school. The former grant recipient is also considering expanding the range of items they are producing depending on the materials they can acquire.

The school has received donations of materials from several generous sources including families of students, John Wilmott School, Fosco Hayes Hurdley and a former pupil, who has provided enough materials for an additional 500 visors.

Offers of manufacturing support from Fairfax Academy, Arthur Terry School and Plantsbrook School as well as staffing support from John Wilmott School. However, there is still much more support needed.

Head of Design Technology at the school, Skye Bowen, comments: “We have been overwhelmed with the offers of PVC from the community and the support from parents and fellow institutions.

“To keep up with demand we are now asking for donations of Polypropylene (0.75mm)”

Interim CEO of Millennium Point, Abbie Vlahakis comments: “We are moved by the actions of Bishop Vesey Grammar School to help protect our local key workers during this crucial time.

“We are delighted that in some small way our grant funding has helped equip the school to facilitate such an amazing use of their DT resources.”

“Now we urge local business leaders and the community to join us in supporting this fantastic initiative.”

For further information or to offer your support to school please contact Mrs S Bowen [email protected]

Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands. 

Our latest scholarship competition ended in style in mid-March with a fantastic live final following a record-breaking year for applications.

What’s the Scholarship?

Our Millennium Point Scholarship is an annual competition open to students across the West Midlands. It provides one lucky winner with a fully funded undergraduate degree and opportunities and support for up to five finalists.  

This year we received more applications than ever before from students across the region looking to take their first big steps in their careers and tackle the big issues facing the west midlands in the years to come. 

“All five finalists were incredible”  

 A live final event at Millennium Point, held in our 354-seat Auditorium, marked the culmination of this year’s competition, with five finalists each presenting on local issues such as affordable housing, cyber harassment, fake news and battling flooding. You can see a round-up of the event below: 

 Five business leaders from across Birmingham’s business community were selected to assess the finalists, giving feedback on their presentation style and content. 

 Winner Shennice Talburt, currently working as a paralegal, will now study Real Estate at Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, with her degree paid for by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust. 

Photo caption: L/R – Hanifah Shah (BCU), Abbie Vlahakis (Millennium Point) Shennice Talburt (Scholarship winner) Professor Nick Morton (BCU)

Shennice, from Birmingham, said: “I am so proud to have been selected as the winner of this year’s Millennium Point Scholarship. All five finalists were incredible, with great ideas and the drive and determination to carry them out.”

 “This is something I have kept quiet and focused on by myself, so it will be some surprise for my family when I tell them. I think the housing crisis is a major issue that needs creative thinking and I want to bring new ideas to the table and help the millions of people who are suffering as a result of this situation.” 

What happens next for our winner and finalists? 

 While the winner will enrol on an undergraduate course at Birmingham City University, the other four finalists will receive ongoing support towards their careers including coaching, mentoring and industry work experience provided through Millennium Point. 

Scholarship 2020 Finalists (From Left to Right) Kallum Wright, Chloe Copeland, Shennice Talburt, Lauren Davies, Amber Kelsey.

 Abigail Vlahakis, CEO at Millennium Point, said: “The quality of our finalists has blown me away, they are all so inspiring. 

 “I would like to congratulate them all, but especially Shennice, whose ideas really shone a light on possible solutions to one of the biggest issues in the region.” 

“Exciting, valuable and impactful initiative”

Hanifah Shah, a judge in the final and Executive Dean of Birmingham City’s University’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, said: “The drive, determination and desire to change society for the better through the application of engineering and technology is incredibly strong in all five finalists. 

“We’re delighted that Shennice will be joining the Faculty of Computing Engineering and the Built Environment later this year with the Millennium Point Scholarship and look forward to working with the runners up as well.  

“Birmingham City University extends its thanks to all involved in this exciting, valuable and impactful initiative and event.” 

This project is one of several ways our organisation is supporting the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in the region.  

More than £5 million in profits from the commercial activity of our multi-award-winning Birmingham venue and landmark public building, Millennium Point, is invested by our Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth and development of STEM initiatives in the West Midlands region. For more information, please see our charity page here. 

Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands. 

Due to the ongoing situation with Coronavirus, we are aware that everyone is facing uncertain times with strict rules on social distancing. We understand many people organising events will be concerned about what happens if the event cannot go ahead as planned.

At Millennium Point we want to put your mind at ease by introducing you to a range of versatile, flexible public and private events spaces, with a flexible process to booking.

Any new events that are booked with us that are taking place before the 31st August 2020, that have to be postponed due to Coronavirus, will come with a FREE cancellation option. We will also make no change to the previously agreed rates. *T&C’s apply.

Click below to find out more about the different events and conference space we have available to hire at Millennium Point, Birmingham or get in touch on 0121 202 2200.

Terms and Conditions

*For all Coronavirus related cancellations, the rearranged date will be subject to availability and must take place before the 31st March 2021.

*The Postponement must be no later than 10 days prior to the event and made to the Millennium Point team in writing. The new date of the event must also be confirmed within 14 days of the original event postponement.

We’re delighted to announce the latest recipient of the Millennium Point Scholarship, which fully funds an undergraduate degree at Birmingham City University.

Photo caption: L/R – Hanifah Shah (BCU), Abbie Vlahakis (Millennium Point) Shennice Talburt (Scholarship winner) Professor Nick Morton (BCU)

Shennice Talburt, currently working as a paralegal, will now study Real Estate at Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, with her degree paid for by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust; is aiming to help solve the UK’s housing crisis – starting with the West Midlands – after impressing judges and a live final audience to win the prize.

More than 160 applications were received from across the West Midlands for this year’s scholarship programme, which is in its sixth year, representing a new record.

A group of five business leaders from across Birmingham’s business community were selected to assess the finalists, who presented their ideas for the future to a live crowd.

Winner Shennice, from Birmingham, said: “I am so proud to have been selected as the winner of this year’s Millennium Point Scholarship.

“All five finalists were incredible, with great ideas and the drive and determination to carry them out.

“This is something I have kept quiet and focused on by myself, so it will be some surprise for my family when I tell them.

“I think the housing crisis is a major issue that needs creative thinking and I want to bring new ideas to the table and help the millions of people who are suffering as a result of this situation.”

More than £5 million in profits from the commercial activity of the multi-award-winning Birmingham venue Millennium Point is invested by its Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth and development of STEM initiatives in the West Midlands region.

The scholarship programme is a key part of this charitable calendar.

While the winner will enroll on an undergraduate course at Birmingham City University, the other four finalists will receive ongoing support towards their careers including coaching, mentoring and industry work experience provided through Millennium Point.

Abigail Vlahakis, CEO at Millennium Point, said: “The quality of our finalists has blown me away, they are all so inspiring.

“I would like to congratulate them all, but especially Shennice, whose ideas really shone a light on possible solutions to one of the biggest issues in the region.”

Hanifah Shah, a judge in the final and Executive Dean of Birmingham City’s University’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, said: ““The drive, determination and desire to change society for the better through the application of engineering and technology is incredibly strong in all five finalists.

“We’re delighted that Shennice will be joining the Faculty of Computing Engineering and the Built Environment later this year with the Millennium Point Scholarship and look forward to working with the runners up as well. 

“Birmingham City University extends its thanks to all involved in this exciting, valuable and impactful initiative and event.”

The scholarship is an annual competition to encourage young people in the West Midlands to pursue science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) at higher education level by fully funding their tuition fees alongside other opportunities provided through the Millennium Point Charitable Trust. If you are interested in knowing more then please visit our page here.

Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands. 

The judging panel for the Millennium Point Scholarship, which will award one student a fully funded degree at Birmingham City University, has been named.

The five-strong panel will be headed by Professor Hanifa Shah, Pro Vice-Chancellor & Executive Dean of the University’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment (CEBE), which is to host the winning student on one of its 20+ undergraduate courses.

Prof Shah will be joined by Katie Burnell, Account Manager at consulting and infrastructure support services giant Amey Consulting PLC; Faye Pressly, Chief Operating Officer at technology contractor Vanti; Tim Kay, Sector Lead, technology and media at professional services firm KPMG; and Martino Giaquinto, Partner and specialists construction and engineering lawyer at legal firm, Mills & Reeve.

The panel will hear from five finalists, all of whom are vying for a life-changing scholarship, at a live event at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, on March 13.

The event will see each of the finalists presenting their insights on regional issues such as low-income housing, transport and safety online in a Dragons Den style pitch to judges before the panel selects a winner.

Abbie Vlahakis, Interim CEO at Millennium Point, said: “Following a record-breaking number of applications for the Millennium Point Scholarship this year, we have gathered a stellar judging panel to oversee the final stage.

“The strength of the members demonstrates the impact this scholarship can have, not just in terms of the free degree, but the contacts we will help our winner to make as they progress through university to the workplace.”

More than £5 million in profits from the commercial activity of the multi-award-winning Birmingham venue is invested by its Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth and development of STEM initiatives in the West Midlands region.

The BCU Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment covers more than 20 different courses ranging from Civil Engineering to Computer Games Technology and Film Production Technology.

While the winner will enrol on an undergraduate course at BCU, the other four finalists will receive ongoing support towards their careers including coaching, mentoring and industry work experience provided through Millennium Point.

For tickets to the live final, visit this link.

Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands. 

Whilst the UK risk level of Coronavirus has been increased from low to moderate, the risk to individuals has not changed at this stage and it remains low. We continue to follow advice from the World Health Organisation and Public Health England, as well as that of Local Government. Precautionary measures are in place and we are monitoring the situation as it develops, but it currently remains business as usual and all events are going ahead as planned. Staff, delegates and other visitors are being encouraged to maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene.

A coronavirus is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease. For more information please visit the Governments guidance by clicking here.

What should I do to prevent catching and spreading the virus?