Victorian society: 'Give glassworks a chance'
Victorian society: 'Give glassworks a chance'
Plus: Oracle, the council's 'all encompassing problem'
Dear Patchers — Welcome to your Tuesday briefing.
Today we bring you the latest investigative work on the IT failures that were “the all-encompassing problem” at the centre of the council’s woes, news on the latest business grants for the area, and which Victorian building in Smethwick is at risk.
There are also some things-to-do with a very zen Botanical Gardens offering and an innovative show at the Hippodrome which examines Blackness and class.
Speak soon.
Editor’s Note: Yesterday we shared a link to this The Business Desk article about LGBT venues under threat. After we published, that paper made an update to their article, clarifying that GB Holdings is not the parent company of Birmingham Pride as previously stated — the two are separate entities. You can read the corrected article on their website at the same link.
Brum in Brief
💸£3m for businesses: Birmingham Growth West Midlands has kickstarted two new support programmes worth £3 million to help new firms move into transport markets. The High Growth Accelerator and Supply Chain Transition Programme have been available through the Commonwealth Games legacy money, and will support small businesses to move into micro-mobility (think e-scooters and cargo bikes) and light rail and electric vehicles. Full story with mayor’s comments on the region’s business future, here.
🔄Supersonic venue change: After an 11th hour let down, organisers of Supersonic Festival have announced a major venue change for this year’s event. Originally booked at a warehouse, the event will now take place between August 30th and September 1st at XOYO and the 02 Institute. In a statement the festival said the new space will be “much better” for the audience, with good disabled access, a high stage and, “best of all, a seated balcony for those of you that get weary feet." It’s the festival’s 21st year and you can read more about its history here.
🏚️At-risk Victorian Buildings: The Victorian Society has released its list of most at-risk Victorian buildings with three Midland buildings making the list. Chance’s Glassworks in Smethwick, once the world’s largest glassmaker, features after standing derelict for 40 years. There is also a chapel in Nottinghamshire and an education offices in Derbyshire. A trust in charge of the Glassworks said £25m is needed to regenerate the building, which they have asked for from the West Midlands Combined Authority. More here.
💻IT council failure: New investigative work by Computer Weekly suggests that problems with the council’s Oracle IT system were known before it went live — something the senior council management should’ve been made aware of. Issues that, as one councillor said, were the “all-encompassing problem” that underlie the council's ongoing crisis. As the magazine reports: “Since going live, the Oracle system effectively scrambled financial data, which meant the council had no clear picture of its overall finances.” Full story.
🧘Soothing sound bath: For those wanting more zen in their life, Botanical Gardens are hosting sound bath yoga on Wednesday evening. With gentle movements and soothing sounds, the session is meant to encourage relaxation and focused breathwork. Bringing your own blankets and pillows is encouraged and it all kicks off at 6.30. Full details.
👨🏿Black and British: What promises to be theatre like no other, Jerome, aka The Professor, will take the Hippodrome audience on a journey through what class in Britain means, what it means to exist in Black-British culture, and how to find belonging within it. Expec Hip-Hop, Grime, Drill and Opera to wow. Tickets here for performances on 6th and 7th June.
I think it was only recently Supersonic found out about them not being able to use their booked venue