[Note: Our man Josh Moreton wrote this before our interview with Sir Andy Street and our piece on the Birmingham Blues’ promotion to the Championship. The sentiment, and the recommended steps to rebuilding the region’s battered reputation, are eerily similar.]
I care deeply about the future of this city. That’s why it’s painful to watch its reputation unravel – not because of lack of potential, but because of political dysfunction.
The latest bin strikes are just the tip of the iceberg. They’re not just an inconvenience. They’re a visible, visceral symbol of a deeper problem – one that risks undoing years of progress and ambition. When the streets are lined with rubbish and headlines talk of chaos, it sends a message far beyond the West Midlands: that Birmingham is broken.
And that’s simply not true.
Most talented entrepreneurs in the country
Behind the headlines is a city filled with creativity, resilience and some of the most talented entrepreneurs and businesses in the country. But we’ve allowed the narrative to slip away from us. The public sector is struggling – but that doesn’t mean the private sector should stand still.
It’s time for business to step up.
Own the story
We’ve done it before. Whether it was delivering the Commonwealth Games, breathing new life into Digbeth, or leading the charge on clean growth and tech, it’s often been businesses that have pushed Birmingham forward. We must do it again – and this time, it’s about saving our city’s reputation.
That means three things:
1. Take ownership of the story. Let’s flood social media, industry press and global stages with stories of innovation, success and regeneration happening here every day. From life sciences to logistics, from creative industries to advanced manufacturing – Birmingham is thriving, even if the headlines don’t say so.
2. Invest in our city. Not just in infrastructure and property – but in our people, our communities, and our entrepreneurs. Let’s double down on upskilling, mentoring, and backing the next generation of Brummie business leaders.
3. Build new coalitions. The public sector can’t fix everything alone. But when businesses, community leaders and institutions come together with purpose, we’ve shown we can achieve big things – and quickly.
Birmingham needs leading
Birmingham doesn’t need saving. But it does need leading. And right now, leadership can’t come from council chambers alone. It must come from boardrooms, co-working spaces, shop floors and studios across the city.
We’ve got too much going for us to let bin bags define us. So let’s clean it up – and remind the world what Birmingham is really about.
Because if we don’t lead the recovery of our city’s reputation, no-one else will.
