Move further strengthens bank’s links with city.
Birmingham Press Club has agreed a three-year sponsorship package with global bank HSBC, which is set to become one of the biggest employers in the city.
The two historic institutions – they were both founded in 1865 – will join forces as the bank becomes an increasingly important business in the heart of Birmingham.
Ed James, chairman of BPC, the oldest press club in the world, said: “We are thrilled to become associated with HSBC at a time when they are set to be one of the most important and largest businesses in the region. This agreement has secured the club financially for the foreseeable future and means that we can now continue to shape the club to cater for an ever-changing media scene in the city.
“We have many exciting plans, including further strengthening our Board of Directors. Thanks to HSBC’s support, the new partnership will enable us to consolidate and improve our flagship events, the Midlands Media Awards and the Midlands Media Student Awards.”
He added: “On behalf of Club members, I would also like to express our appreciation to the Club’s vice-president, John Lamb, who has been instrumental in establishing links with HSBC.”
Tim Harrison, HSBC Head of Communications – UK and Europe, said: “We are delighted to join forces with the historic and thriving Birmingham Press Club.
HSBC is establishing itself as an integral part of life in the Greater Birmingham region and the Press Club was a natural partner.”
HSBC has announced that it will be locating the national head office of its ring-fenced bank, which will serve its personal and business customers, in Birmingham in a new building at Arena Central in the city centre.
The move will involve relocating some 1,000 roles currently based in London to Birmingham from mid-2017 onwards to join the 2,500 staff already working in Birmingham. The creation of a ring-fenced bank is in response to the Financial Services (Banking Reform) Act 2013 and must be completed before 1st January 2019. HSBC’s decision to create the head office of its UK ring-fenced bank in Birmingham follows a review by the bank of a number of possible head office locations.
