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?

 

Are you looking for a large private event space in the heart of Birmingham city centre? Look no further than our award winning Auditorium event space at Millennium Point. Accommodating up to 354 delegates, our Auditorium is the perfect location for film screenings, award ceremonies, conferences, lectures, product launches and AGMs.

Make your event a double winner!
When booking Auditorium, why not benefit from our PLATFORM event space directly below, including an in-built bar and presentation facilities, connected by our central staircase is ideal for receptions and parties. Click here to read more about PLATFORM.

Don’t miss out this Easter!
We will also be organising a series of movie screenings and family activities this Easter. Treat the kids to a screening of Disney Pixar’s Finding Nemo (2003) followed by entertainment including fun-filled party games and a disco. For more information please click here.

Benefits and Features

For more information on all our event spaces please click 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. 

Between the dates of 6th April and the 1st June, a spectacular installation will allow visitors to Millennium Point a chance to see the Earth as it appears from space. Gaia, a touring artwork by artist Luke Jerram, will be in place at our landmark Curzon Street site where visitors can enjoy the breath-taking experience for free.

This is the only chance people in the West Midlands will have to see the unique installation, which features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s Surface on a globe measuring seven metres in diameter. The artwork is 1.8 million times smaller than the real Earth with each centimetre of the internally lit sculpture describing 18km of the Earth’s surface.

By standing 211m away from the artwork, visitors will be able to see the Earth as it appears from the moon. The installation creates a sense of the ‘Overview Effect’, which was first described by author Frank White in 1987. Common features of the experience for astronauts are a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.

We will also be organising a series of movie screenings and family activities around the installation. Treat the kids to a screening of Disney Pixar’s Finding Nemo (2003) in our giant screen auditorium, followed by entertainment including fun-filled party games and a disco. For more information please click here.

Millennium Point is just a 5-minute walk from Moor Street station, with an on-site multistory car park accessible from the A47 in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre.

For more information on our Gaia installation please click 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. 

On Thursday 12th March 2020, the Millennium Point team will take on the Acorns Firewalk challenge at the Black Country Living Museum. Interim CEO, Abigail Vlahakis, Commercial Director, Rebecca Delmore and Sales Manager Victoria Webb, will brave the heat and walk across hot coals to raise money for Acorns, the largest children’s hospice in the UK.

Acorns Children’s Hospice supports children and their families that have life-limiting and life-threatening conditions in the West Midlands. The charity puts in place a network of specialist palliative nursing care and support.

With your support, we really want to make a difference for this fantastic charity. Any donations big or small are hugely appreciated by the whole Millennium Point team.

To make a kind donation simply visit our just giving page by clicking here.

Global warming and the effects on the environment have been a big talking point of late with more urgency to do more to protect our environment. Public awareness is now at an all-time high and without action will be greater consequences.

At Millennium Point we are passionate about supporting the environment best we can and therefore have launched a new sustainability program with several systems in place to reduce our carbon and ecological footprints. We understand how the smallest of changes to the day to day running of the business can benefit and protect the environment.

Each week we will be posting a new blog to show the different ways we can make a difference so keep an eye out for that.

To support our sustainability program, we are delighted to announce that we have signed up to the #20percentless campaign with the Meetings Industry Association (MIA). The main objective of the #20percentless campaign is to eliminate single-use plastics from your organisation by 2025. You will find us on the MIA’s Pledge Wall.

We are passionate about doing our bit with the removal of plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery and using refillable glass bottles in our meeting rooms replacing the plastic ones. Our mission moving forward is to remove even more plastic from our organisation.

It’s important to be aware of how you can contribute to helping the environment with the removal of plastics. Please see below some of the actions you can take to make a difference in day to day living and in the workplace. We understand a full solution to the environment’s issues can’t be addressed overnight but we are pushing hard to make Millennium Point more greener and make a difference. We look forward to the journey ahead.

For more information or to join The Pledge please click here.