Firms to have joined forces with the city’s strategic marketing partnership in recent months include professional services company Arup; global construction and development group Skanska; IT software provider Advanced; technology consultant Vanti and HS2 Ltd, the company responsible for delivering the UK’s new high-speed rail network.

AC Hotel, a new brand from international hotel chain Marriott, which chose to launch its first UK location in Birmingham in May; new boutique hotel The High Field Town House; sporting venue Edgbaston Priory Club and independent coffee shop 200 Degrees are among the visitor economy businesses to have also recently partnered with Marketing Birmingham.

Nicola Hewitt, Commercial Director at Marketing Birmingham, said: “Birmingham is creating real momentum as a tourism and business hotspot with a record number of domestic and international visits last year, and more jobs created from inward investment than anywhere outside London since 2011.

“Building strong relationships with local businesses is an integral part of this region’s success as a globally competitive destination. Together with our existing stakeholders, these new partners will enhance the support and range of options we provide for inward investors, travel operators and event organisers – helping to demonstrate that Birmingham is a welcoming, exciting and dynamic place to invest, visit and meet.”

Marketing Birmingham’s recently remodelled Commercial Partners programme offers local companies access to services including research data, business development events and face-to-face meetings with potential investors. Firms can also take advantage of the marketing partnership’s public and private sector relationships, as well as being involved with visitor economy and inward investment sales and trade missions, promoting the city and Midlands Engine region in areas including North America, China, France, India and Germany.

Helen Martin, Managing Director at Skanska, said: “Skanska is delighted to subscribe to the Marketing Birmingham Partnership programme. We are pleased and proud to support Marketing Birmingham, which does a great job in spreading the word about the exciting developments and opportunities in the city region, and we look forward to working closely with their team.”

Mark Jones, Director at Arup, added: “The partnership with Marketing Birmingham strengthens our marketing, communications and business development efforts, under the key headings of profile, insight and networking. We will gain from Marketing Birmingham’s knowledge, experience and their established relationships nurtured across business, media and the public sector. Together we will be looking at new business and inward investment opportunities to promote our growth in the city and region.”