International Women’s Day (IWD) is fast approaching, but women shouldn’t just be celebrated once a year! That’s why Millennium Point works hard to provide equal opportunities for women.

This blog will explore the importance of International Women’s Day and what we’re doing to empower women all year round. 

The importance of International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day takes place annually on the 8th of March and celebrates the accomplishments of women within culture, politics, the economy and society at large. 

IWD is important for a number of reasons, such as:

It explores a different theme each year 

Each year IWD explores a different theme. This year is ‘Inspire Inclusion’, where it’s encouraged to inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion so that we can forge a better world. Furthermore, when women are inspired to be included, they feel valued and feel a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.

Being able to explore a new theme each year will allow crucial issues and topics to be explored and awareness to be raised. 

It’s an opportunity to celebrate women’s accomplishments 

Women have played crucial roles in various parts of history, such as voting rights, civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights and much more. They’ve also made significant contributions and achievements within various industries such as:

It highlights what work still needs to be achieved 

While International Women’s Day celebrates and recognises what has been achieved, it’s also a great opportunity to highlight what still needs to be done. 

It’s an opportunity for schools and organisers to educate children

Implementing one dedicated day to celebrate women gives schools and organisations the opportunity to introduce topics that aren’t usually taught all year round. They can also use this as an opportunity to tailor IWD to their industry or topic. For example, many STEM industries previously frowned upon women working within them, causing a lack of role models and diversity. Schools and organisations can explore how this has changed and what still needs to be done to close the gender gap and create equal opportunities for women in all industries. 

International Women’s Day Conference and Exhibition

We’re hosting an inspiring and empowering International Women’s Day conference and exhibition on the 8th March 2024 to celebrate women’s achievements and promote gender equality. 

This in-person event brings together influential speakers, including fashion entrepreneur Karren Millen and Software Engineer Parris Small where thought-provoking conversations will be encouraged. So why not come and take part in this incredible celebration of women’s achievements and the journey of building a more inclusive society?

The exhibition will include a range of stands and a seminar stage where content will be delivered to individuals, small businesses and young females. The event is free to attend and don’t forget this event isn’t just for women! Getting as many men as possible involved encourages conversations that help close the gender gap and ignite change.

The exhibition time table goes as followed:

10:00 AM Welcome & Introduction

10:30 AM Motivational Networking

11:00 AM How to Start and Scale Your Business

11:30 AM The Magic of Writing Your Book

12:00 PM Funding Females

12:30 PM Mental Health & Wellbeing

1:00 PM Women In STEM

2:00 PM Women in Media

3:00 PM Empowering Girls for Career Success

4:00 PM Building Your Personal Brand

4:40 PM Monetise your Passion

5:10 PM Finish

If you’re looking to get involved, book your ticket for the exhibition here.

STEM grant funding

We offer excellent STEM grant funding opportunities where not-for-profit organisations, schools and colleges across the West Midlands combined area can gain up to £20,000 to fund their STEM projects. 

The grant will be provided depending on eligibility and how well a measurable impact in STEM can be demonstrated. Applications for smaller grants of £1,000 or more are also accepted. 

We accept applications from:

We don’t accept applications from:

Our grant programme helps to provide equal opportunities in educating both girls and boys in the STEM industry and aims to encourage them to undertake a career in STEM. 

STEM scholarship  

We’ve partnered with Birmingham City University to provide 1 fully funded undergraduate degree at their faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. 

Applications are currently open and will close on the 15th of March 2024. Applicants will also need to be available on Tuesday 7th of May 2024 for our assessment day. If you become the lucky winner you’ll receive a scholarship where your tuition fees will be paid for. If you don’t win we’ll invite you to attend developmental workshops that focus on supporting your personal development and professionalism within interviews and presentations. 

If you’re interested in applying you’ll need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

Charity events are a great way to raise money for important causes. But this can be a little daunting. That’s why we’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you effectively plan a charity event that gains donors and attendees and achieves your fundraising goals. 

Here are a few steps you should follow:

Step 1: Determine the goal of your event 

Like any event, it’s important to determine what you want to get out of it. Determining goals allows you to track and measure the success of your charity event. For example, it’s a good idea to set a goal on how much money you want to raise. This will encourage larger donations from attendees as they’ll want to help you reach your desired amount.

Other goals may include:

Set a budget 

For a charity event to be successful it’s important to remember that significant money and time may need to be invested. To ensure you keep on top of costs, raise as much money as possible and deliver an engaging event, it’s a good idea to create a detailed budget before you start spending money. Your budget should include costs for things like:

Choose the type of event you want to hold 

When planning your charity event, it’s important to define the type of event or theme you want to use. When deciding this you should consider what will resonate more with your guests and encourage better engagement. To get a better understanding of this there are a few questions you can ask yourself:

These questions will allow you to narrow down the type of charity event you hold and any set themes. For example, some types of charity events include:

Research and book a venue

Choosing the right venue is crucial to having a successful charity event. You’ll want to make sure your venue fits your theme, accommodates your cause and is easy to get to for your audience.

Venues are usually the biggest cost and while you want to create an excellent event, you don’t want to overspend or significantly underspend your budget. When looking for a venue you can ask yourself a few questions, such as:

Promote the event, send invites and sell tickets

After spending numerous hours planning the perfect charity event, you don’t want to neglect to promote the event, send invites or sell tickets.

Marketing your event helps you reach a wider audience and encourage people to buy tickets, helping you to sell out your event and reach your fundraising goal. 

Social media is a great way to promote your event as it’s often free and helps you reach an already acquired audience. It also allows you to post regular updates and photos taken during the event for guests to easily access and keep up with any changes or updates. 

You can also send out invitations to those you want to attend helping you curate the perfect set of donors and attendees. This can also encourage others to buy tickets as influential people relating to your cause may influence ticket purchases and conversations about your event. 

Set up the event 

It’s the big day! That means it’s time to start putting all of the finishing touches in place. This may include:

To ensure the day runs smoothly it may be a good idea to create a clear and thorough schedule for the day. This could also include information on dress codes and the times different team members need to arrive. Creating these should, in theory, mean that everyone is on the same page and understands their requirements and the overall plan. 

Get in touch with attendees after the event 

Getting in touch with your attendees after the event makes them feel valued and like they’ve played an integral part in something special. 

Sending thank you notes and updating guests on how much was fundraised lets them know the impact the event has had on the cause. This also helps you build strong relationships that lead to returning guests and donors helping you make significant contributions to your cause in the long-term.  

Hosting a charity event at Millennium Point

We have extensive experience in hosting a whole range of events, including charity events and our spaces benefit from:

Many of our spaces also come with tables and chairs allowing you to create your desired seating plan if required. Our Auditorium is also perfect for a range of events like awards shows and auctions due to our giant screen and stage. 

Formerly known as the first IMAX, the Auditorium has comfortable tiered seating where up to 354 delegates can be seated. It’s also equipped with Datavideo PTC-280 cameras giving you the opportunity to live stream your event. 

If you’re looking to host an exceptional charity event, explore our range of event spaces and their benefits.

We have launched our new and improved catering brochure! Our new menu is brimming with delicious choices to make your event first class!

We review our offer on a regular basis, to ensure our multi-award-winning event service remains current and competitive, and are thrilled to present our latest update. Whether you’re looking to host your film premiere with canapes, or a 3-course meal for your next awards, you can expect an unforgettable experience!

View the menu here.

Our most sustainable menu yet

We are excited to launch our new catering menu which is full of tasty choices perfect for your next event. Our mission is to make our catering options as sustainable as possible without compromising on choice for our clients. With more locally sourced ingredients and wider range of vegan options, it’s our most sustainable menu yet.

Victoria Webb, Event Sales Manager says ‘Millennium Point’s new catering menu is the newest upgrade we have made to continue to provide our guests with the best experience. This update reflects our commitment to providing environmentally conscious options while enhancing the overall event experience for our clients’.

Keep up to date with Millennium Point

Upgrading our menu is just one of the ways we continually develop Millennium Point to give the best experience to our guests, tenants, and customers. With a lot planned for 2024, keep up to date with the latest here.

Millennium Point has announced an exclusive screening of acclaimed docudrama LOVE?, with live introduction from writer and actress Samantha Beckinsale, on 8 March.

Born out of lived experiences and the creative vision of Samantha, award-winning director and editor Jason Figgis, producer Simon W. Golding, and composer Scott Buckley, LOVE? is a feature-length docudrama depicting coercive control, which is one of the least recognised forms of domestic abuse.

The film has already welcomed incredible early reviews with Domestic Abuse Specialist Nicky Brindley MBE describing it as “a true masterpiece”, and Domestic Abuse Advocate Dorothy Zimmerman hailing it as a “revelation to start a revolution.” West Midlands audiences will now be able to experience it at an exclusive free screening on Millennium Point’s giant screen on Friday 8 March.

Writer and star, Samantha Beckinsale will be joining the event to introduce the film. Samantha said: “I’m over the moon that Millennium Point and all the sponsors have supported this LOVE? Project event and am very much looking forward to introducing LOVE? to West Midlands audiences. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, be perpetrated by anyone, and has common patterns across the world. By spreading this message via our film, we hope to help people recognise the signs and effect of domestic abuse and the tactics used by perpetrators of these crimes. Coercive control kills and without a fist being raised.”

Samantha will be joined by multi-award-winning family lawyer and Domestic Abuse Advocate Richard Port MBE, family barrister Rachel Bloxwich from 3PB Chambers, and representatives from Our Family Wizard, who are proud sponsors of this event. There will also be an opportunity to enjoy drinks and networking after the screening.

Rebecca Delmore, Commercial Director at Millennium Point, said: “We are honoured to be able to amplify the reach of this incredibly important and powerful film on Millennium Point’s giant screen. I hope that audience members will feel empowered to further spread the film’s important message.”

Tickets can be booked here.

Millennium Point has been awarded the Excellence in Hospitality, Retail & Events Award at the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Awards 2024. The Awards are the region’s biggest celebration of business and were hosted by broadcaster and comedienne Noreen Khan. The award winners were announced on 15 February in front of more than 1,000 people at the ICC in Birmingham city centre.

The Excellence in Hospitality, Retail & Events category was highly competitive. The judges singled out Millennium Point’s dedication to sustainability which has resulted in a more ethically and locally sourced catering menu, enhanced recycling practices, energy efficient initiatives, and hybrid event solutions. The judges were also impressed with Millennium Point’s charitable work supporting young people in the area through STEM education, which has included an investment of £4.3 million in the last year.

Rebecca Delmore, Millennium Point Commercial Director, said: “We are thrilled to have won the Excellence in Hospitality, Retail & Events Award. The award reflects the dedication of the Millennium Point Team to deliver the best experience for our clients. We are delighted to be recognised for this.”

Each year the Millennium Point Trust funds an undergraduate degree at BCU’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and the Built Environment.

2023’s winner Safa is the latest winner who impressed judges on the assessment day

Safa was studying Applied Science at South and City College, she developed an interest in the computing world in secondary school and was further inspired by speeches from women in STEM. Now at BCU we caught up with her to see how her first term went!

‘University life as a Computer Science student has become a transformative experience. Embracing a multitude of coding projects, from creating efficient algorithms to developing practical applications, and provided a hands-on understanding of the diverse aspects of the field’.

Continuing on her Scholarship Safa says ‘Overall, the Scholarship has not only paved the way for academic success but has also enriched my university experience by providing a progressive and collaborative environment. I’m excited to continue this journey, exploring new challenges and developing technologies in the field of Computer Science’.

Asima won in 2021 and is well into her STEM story

Asima was studying Social Science and Humanities before scoring top spot in the Scholarship finalists.

Asima remembers why applying for the Scholarship was so important to her. ‘The reason I applied for the Scholarship was because it was an opportunity that stood out. It’s your entire undergraduate degree that has been paid for. I was thinking how lucky I would have been if that was done for me. And I went for it because I had nothing to lose and an opportunity to gain’.

Continuing she wants to promote and help others get into STEM. ‘When I won the Scholarship, I felt so lucky, happy, and very overwhelmed that I was chosen. As well as having the degree paid for, I was also given a platform from the Millennium Point Trust which would help me reach out and try and help and guide others too as a STEM ambassador’.

Laura’s ‘dream come true’ when she secured her Scholarship in 2019

Laura who went on to study Film Production Technology beat over 100 applicants in the record breaking year. Looking back Laura realised by spending a little time on her application, it started her on the path to winning the Scholarship.

‘Sparing a little of my time to fill in the application in return for what could be a big opportunity was an obvious choice that I knew I couldn’t let pass by. The Scholarship is open to everyone, and that really inspired me to apply because there were no expectations other than having a passion for the course I had already applied for’.

‘I  think the Scholarship is a brilliant scheme that extends beyond the funding – I was supported to build so much confidence during the process and it was great that at that age a very shy person such as myself was given a chance to share my love for my subject and demonstrate it’s importance. I’m sure all the other candidates feel the same way’.

 

 

Dudley College of Technology has revealed its brand new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) hub, that will enhance education and accessibility within the community. The project, funded by Millennium Point has transformed an existing space which the college had outgrown into a dynamic space fostering innovation and creativity in students.

Nestled beneath Dudley Castle, the renovation of the current Design & Technology room, formerly an elephant house, is a result of collaboration between dedicated staff and students, and the financial aid provided by Millennium Point Charitable Trust. Approximately £17,500 of the total grant has funded the purchase of a wide array of cutting-edge equipment, including a 3D scanner compatible with 3D printers, height-adjustable workbenches, a laser cutter, and an F24 Greenpower kit-car. This array of tools is designed to cater to learners of all abilities and empower an inclusive educational environment.

Part of the Millennium Point funding will also enhance the STEM library, making it a valuable resource for local Dudley Academies Trust (DAT) schools and the broader community. This vision extends to Brierley Hill’s Inspired Art and Design Centre, which is under consideration as a dual site for the STEAM Hub, offering specialised support for students with SEN.

The iZone, Dudley College’s upcoming purpose-built engineering block, is another integral part of this project. Boasting a laser cutter and an existing printer, the iZone epitomises the high-tech aspirations of the STEAM hub initiative.

Adrian Eynon, Product Design lecturer at Dudley College of Technology, said: “Product Design is very much a traditional craft-based subject, but we’re wanting to modernise and move into a technological future with laser cutters and 3D printing, which will prepare students for the world they’ll experience in the industry. The investment will massively increase the quality and standard of the students’ work, and that quality will translate to their confidence.”

Abbie Vlahakis, CEO of Millennium Point, added: “I am immensely proud of our collaboration with Dudley College of Technology and establishing the Universal Access STEAM Hub. This project underlines our mission to promote STEAM education, and we hope it will serve as a cornerstone for educational excellence, and inspiration for the local community.”

Set to welcome its first students in early 2024, the Universal Access STEAM Hub marks a significant milestone in the college’s history.  This transformative educational environment is set to inspire not only the current crop of learners, but also future generations.

What’s new?

We have officially opened the doors to Station – the latest addition to our award-winning venue.

In addition to 16 popular event spaces, including the Auditorium, Connect and Express, Station brings a brand-new opportunity to the mix for businesses, charities and beyond.

Why choose Station?

With multiple rooms, including a main room that is perfect for engaging with audiences and multiple boardrooms that can be used as offices, speaker green rooms or quiet spaces, Station offers flexibility and can be tailored to individual needs with a choice of seven possible layouts.

Whether opting for the room to be laid out in theatre style for a big presentation or classroom style for teaching and learning, Station can be adapted quickly and easily to suit diverse and wide-ranging needs. Alternatively, the space can enjoy a standing layout, boardroom set up, an exhibition stands format, a banquet style or cabaret – all in one space!

Plus, with a maximum capacity of up to 150 delegates, the space is ideal for team activities, workshops, or networking, alongside further presentation opportunities, and catering.

The space also has high-speed Wi-Fi and access to an on-site AV technician as standard, ensuring that each and every event runs smoothly and without hassle.

How do I book Station?

Offering unbeatable flexibility, could Station be the perfect space for your next event? If so, simply fill out our enquiry form and we will be in touch.

Additionally, with multiple flexible venue spaces to choose from, we have what you need to put your event on the map. If Station isn’t right for you, you can discover more about our other event spaces here.

 

Finding the right office space is essential for fostering an environment of productivity and happiness. This varies among different companies, making it important that you take the necessary steps to consider what your ideal office space would be. 

This blog will explore 4 steps to follow when searching for the best office space.  

1. Set a budget

Setting a budget is a great way to ensure you choose an office space you can afford. While it can be tempting to choose a cheaper office to help you save money, it’s important that you choose somewhere that meets all of your requirements. Similarly, you don’t want to opt for a more expensive choice if you won’t use all of the space or facilities. 

Creating a realistic budget that meets your businesses needs will help you find the right office for your company.

2. Prioritise the location

Location is an essential factor when looking for the best office space. Research by Clutch shows that 49% of employees say being near their home is an important factor in an office’s location. Choosing an office that’s near the majority of where your employees live or is close to a variety of transport links will make it easier for staff to get to work. A shorter commute to work also creates happier, healthier and more productive employees, helping create better quality work. 

Choosing an office close to a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars is also great as it gives your staff the opportunity to socialise during lunch breaks or after work, helping to create better working relationships. In fact research shows that when employees leave their desk for lunch they tend to be happier about their work. This showcases that having an office in a location that gives staff the opportunity to have their lunch break away from their desk has significant impacts on both them and your company.

3. Think about comfortability and spaciousness

We all know that employees spend most of their time at work, so prioritising comfortability and spaciousness is essential. This can encourage an environment of productivity, creativity and overall well being. Opting for a space that comes with ergonomic furniture and well designed workspaces can significantly enhance staff productivity while saving you money. Managed office spaces that come with their own furniture and facilities could be a great way to find the best office space for your company that’s within your budget.

Having a spacious office not only provides ample space for staff to work efficiently but also helps to create collaborative areas and breakout spaces that promote teamwork and innovation.

4. Ask staff what matters to them

One of the most important steps to take when you’re looking for the best office space is to ask your staff what matters to them. Understanding what your employees value will give you the confidence that you’ve found the right office space. 

According to a study by Forbes, 87% of workers want their employer to provide healthier work space benefits, such as: 

You can ask staff for their top priorities through 1-2-1s, meetings or by distributing online surveys. Getting your staff involved in the process of looking for a new office makes them feel valued and heard. It also gives you the opportunity to understand what their ideal workspace looks like and what factors you need to consider. These could include::

Opting for an office space at Millennium Point

Here at Millennium Point we have a range of office spaces available that could be perfect for you. Our office spaces reside in our landmark building in the centre of Birmingham where a community of educators, innovators, creators and forward thinkers thrive. 

Our office spaces offer:

As a result of us being in the centre of Birmingham, we’re placed near a variety of transport links, making it easy for staff and clients to commute to the office. We’re also near a range of restaurants, bars and cafes that allow your staff to socialise during lunch breaks or after work. This can also be beneficial for client lunches and meetings, helping you create better professional relationships.

If you’re looking for a new office space, explore our range of available offices to see if they’re right for you. 

In light of our recent scholarship launch, we understand that finding the motivation to apply can be challenging. However, let these stories of these talented professionals serve as inspiration for you to embark into the world of STEM and push yourself to achieve new heights.

Annie Easley – The Human Computer

At the time, Easley was looking for a job after relocating when she discovered an article about two sisters who were “human computers” at the Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory in Cleveland, Ohio. Two weeks later, after the reading the article, Easley began her career that spanned across 34 years, contributing to numerous programs as a computer scientist.

Easley’s career involved analysing problems and solving complexed mathematical calculations by hand, awarding her with the title of human computer. Easley would go on to break barriers for women and people of colour, inspiring them to pursue STEM opportunities.

Gitanjali Rao – American’s Top Youngest Scientist 2017

Inspired by the Flint Michigan water crisis, Rao invented a life-changing device that can detect lead in water at the age of 11. Rao’s dedication to her work earned her a place in the 2019 Forbes 30 under 30. In recent years, Rao has been taking part in the research of cell biology at the University of Colorado, using the latest genetic engineering to find a solution to prescription opioid addiction epidemic.

Rao is an active STEM ambassador, inspiring young people by promoting STEM-based activities in schools and the community. Rao continues to affect students globally by sharing her knowledge, tools, and encouragement.

Morris Mbetsa – Africa’s First Flying Taxi

Morris, a self-taught engineer, created an innovative solution to Africa’s traffic and poor road infrastructure issues. At the age of 28, Morris manufactured Africa’s first flying taxi. This drone transports passengers for around 25 minutes, and at speeds of up to 120km an hour. The young entrepreneur uses his talents to generate easy-to-use, inexpensive technological solutions that are accessible to his community.

At the young age of 6, Morris discovered his passion for technology, as he has stated on The Kenyan network K24, “Technology is my life. I never watched football while growing up. My room was full of electronics and wires.”

Ronjon Nag – Smartphone Pioneer

Shortly after becoming a newly graduate, Nag invented breakthrough technology for smart devices such as handwriting recognition, predictive text, application of speech recognition and touch screens for mobile devices. He later went on to become the founder of R42 institute, a US and UK-based company that invents and invests in AI and Biotech.

Nag has gone to work with big names such as Apple, BlackBerry, and Motorola after becoming a technological pioneer. As well as becoming a ground-breaking entrepreneur, Nag was also a professor in Genetics at the Stanford School of Medicine, committed to providing inclusive and accessible education.

Jocelyn Bell Burnell – Beyond the Stars

Whilst studying at the University of Glasgow, Burnell discovered pulsars, the cosmic sources of peculiar radio pulses. After graduating, she frequently worked in gamma ray, X-ray, infrared and millimetre wavelength astronomy. In 2015, Burnell was awarded a Royal Medal by the Royal Society and became the first female President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

After winning a breakthrough prize, Burnell donated all the proceedings to the institute of Physics to set up scholarships for graduates and those in under-represented communities to have access to study physics.

Are you Interested in a Career in STEM?

We hope these stories have truly inspired you and encourage you to achieve greatness. If you have any questions about our Scholarship scheme, you can contact our friendly Trust team.