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.

To celebrate the Scholarship’s 10th year, we are speaking to some of the previous winners to revisit their winning moments.

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.

Opting for a managed office space can significantly reduce the stress of owning or paying for a space you need to run and furnish yourself. When this is paired with being located in Birmingham you have the perfect opportunity to expand as a company and truly invest in your staff and customers. 

This blog will explore the benefits of renting managed office space in Birmingham:

Greater flexibility and scalability

Managed office spaces often provide flexibility, such as short-term contracts or giving you the option to come out of your agreement early. This allows you to easily adapt to changes within your business. 

Having greater flexibility also enhances your scalability, as shorter contracts allow companies to easily adapt to changing requirements by expanding or downsizing their office space. This is particularly effective during the current cost of living crisis as it helps businesses better navigate the current climate and their finances.   

Equipped workspaces

One of the many benefits of managed office spaces is that they tend to come fully equipped. This can include things like desks, chairs, high-speed Wi-Fi and audio equipment. This can reduce costs as businesses won’t necessarily need to spend money on furnishing their office space. 

Having a well-equipped space can also lead to higher productivity and improved employee motivation. For example, spaces with lots of natural light and comfort can improve productivity and wellbeing.  

Cost effective 

Managed offices are cost effective as they reduce the amount of things companies need to pay for. For example, traditional office spaces require payment of gas, electricity and water bills, as well as furniture and maintenance costs. However, when it comes to managed office spaces these costs are often included within your rent instalments. They also tend to include things like reception support and cleaning costs. This helps to reduce overhead costs and provides a much more cost effective option for office spaces that still offer an exceptional look and feel. 

Excellent location

Birmingham is an excellent location for your next office space. There are a variety of successful businesses in the heart of Birmingham City centre providing the perfect opportunity for networking, helping companies form new relationships with potential clients, customers and employees.

Being placed in the centre of Birmingham also places businesses near a variety of transport links, whether staff, clients or customers want to travel by train, bus, car or even plane, the choice is theirs. This makes it much easier for people to attend meetings or get to work, making it more likely that you’ll get the most out of your new office space. 

Being located near a variety of shops, activities, restaurants and bars also allows staff to explore the city personally or as a team, contributing toward a better work-life balance and fostering better professional relationships.  

Enhanced work-life balance 

With managed office spaces having added amenities, such as a kitchen area, breakout spaces or fitness facilities a greater work-life balance can be achieved for you and your staff. Providing different spaces for your employees to work and relax in can create a better work-life balance as it can give them time to incorporate movement and breaks within their working day. 

Furthermore, research shows that people who work in spaces with natural features report 15% higher levels of overall wellbeing. This can include things like:

Managed office spaces tend to take a holistic approach to people’s working lives, allowing staff to seamlessly transition between their professional and personal life.  

Renting managed office space at Millennium Point

Here at Millennium Point we have a variety of office spaces that could be perfect for your business. We offer:

We’re also located in Eastside in the centre of Birmingham, surrounded by a community of educators, innovators, creators and forward thinkers. As a result we are:

We also have a range of benefits you can take advantage of, such as:

If you’re looking to rent a new office space for your business, explore our available properties today.  

Where we started 

Opening on the 29th of September 2001 and officially being opened by Her Majesty on July 2nd 2002, the Millennium Point project was originally developed in partnership with a number of public and private sector institutions. 

Millennium Point was spearheaded by Birmingham City Council, Birmingham City University (formerly known as the University of Central England) and the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.  

What we’ve achieved 

We’ve achieved a lot in a short period of time. For starters, we’re home to some of the city’s leading institutions, like Birmingham City University, Birmingham Metropolitan College, Think Tank and Marketing Birmingham that have either been based in or continue to operate in our facilities. 

We’re also the lead funder for the Science Park based in ThinkTank and have funded various other projects in the West Midlands area, such as the Ark Trindal Primary School’s science area.

At the end of the day, we here at Millennium Point aim to give back to our community by providing opportunities in STEM, helping to host fantastic events and acting as an excellent landlord for thriving businesses in the Midlands.

Millennium Point’s Charitable Trust 

Our award-winning charitable trust invests over £4.8 million a year towards furthering STEM education in the West Midlands. 

Our mission

At Millennium point we aim to advance education for public benefit. We look at the industrial and technological processes that have shaped the modern world and that will shape the future. 

Our flagship initiatives 

Our vision

Ultimately we want to be recognised as a leader in the promotion of STEM education and careers. We aim to do this  by meeting these goals:

To discover more about the work our Charitable Trust does, visit our charity page here.

Exceptional events spaces 

Millennium Point is Eastsides largest events hub, where we have a variety of spaces, including our giant screen auditorium, perfect for any event. 

Our spaces benefit from:

Why choose to host your event at Millennium Point?

Hosting your event with us increases your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), while giving back to the West Midlands. 

All commercial profits from our events business and landmark public building go to our award-winning Charitable Trust. The Trust has invested over £25 million back into the West Midlands across the last six years to help support the growth of STEM education. 

When you hold your event at Millennium Point your money makes change happen! For example your money could go toward some of our projects like:

To discover which space could be best for your event, try out our Events Space Matcherator and one of our team will be in touch. 

Perfect properties 

Here at Millennium Point we have a range of properties that could make a perfect home for your business. 

So what makes us different from other properties?

To discover more about the properties we have to offer, get in touch with us today.

While we’re only 22 years old, our rich history has set us up for a lifetime of providing support to Birmingham and the West Midlands, helping them thrive and build a brighter future for those wanting to pursue a career in STEM. 

While we have already achieved some amazing things, we’re not going to stop here. Whether you’re looking to host an event or find a new home for your business, just know that your money is helping us provide a better future for our younger generations.   

Your complete guide to serviced offices

Serviced office spaces offer greater flexibility, practicality and cost effectiveness, as they tend to be furnished and avoid the need to pay for electricity and water bills. They’re also growing in popularity, especially among startup and smaller businesses, as they tend to fit in better with their budget. 

Their popularity is also rising due to the increase in flexible working, where as a result, in London alone there are over 1,200 serviced office spaces.

What are serviced office spaces?

Serviced office spaces allow you to move in and start working right away, giving you the opportunity to move in as soon as possible.

They can also be more cost effective than purchasing a building as you won’t need to pay for utility bills and they tend to come furnished, meaning you won’t need to buy any furniture for the office. 

Monthly costs can be worked out in two different ways, such as:

The pricing option you choose is likely to be decided on the size of your company. For example, it might be more cost effective to pay per desk if you only have a small number of employees. Whereas if your company has a large number of employees you may be better off choosing a flat rate.

What’s the difference between a serviced and conventional office space?

Serviced and conventional office spaces are usually run differently. For example, serviced offices can be rented for as little as a couple of days to multiple years, offering greater flexibility than a conventional office. 

Fixed rent prices also tend to be offered if you choose a serviced option, helping you budget your money better. In comparison conventional leases often tie you into a long term contract for a fixed amount of time, giving you little freedom to move around. 

Serviced spaces also tend to be furnished, helping you save money on buying the essentials like desks and chairs. You may however need to provide laptops or computers for your staff. 

Who are serviced offices aimed at?

Even though serviced offices are popular among smaller businesses, it doesn’t mean they’re only available to them. These types of spaces are also available for:

What are the benefits of choosing a serviced office space?

This type of office space can benefit your company in various ways, such as decreasing financial risk through reducing or completely removing costly overheads. Other benefits include:

What amenities are offered in a serviced office?

Serviced offices can come with a variety of amenities such as:

Networking events –  Some spaces hold networking events to help those in the building meet and build new connections.