Tag Archives: birmingham

R.I.P. Ozzy Osbourne

A personal tribute to Ozzy Osbourne following his death on 22 July 2025. Reflecting on Black Sabbath’s industrial roots in Birmingham, the article explores Ozzy’s influence, my tenuous, familial connections to the band, first albums bought, chaotic live shows, and the emotional weight of Ozzy’s final hometown performance. A farewell to a legend from someone who grew up with his music echoing through the smog and steel of the West Midlands.

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Tech Nation Rising Stars Midlands Final 2025 – Notes from the Canopy

There’s a quiet satisfaction in sitting on the edge of things, absorbing detail, thinking clearly, watching structure unfold. Last April, at The Canopy at The Bond in Birmingham’s Digbeth district, I was glad to attend the Midlands Regional Final of Tech Nation Rising Stars 2025. This wasn’t just a pitch competition; it was a sharp snapshot of the region’s entrepreneurial promise, delivered without bluster but full of energy.

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WMCA and BCC: Who’s Who in the West Midlands (And How the Money Actually Flows)

This guide demystifies the differences between the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Birmingham City Council (BCC), explaining who they are, how funding and decisions flow, and what each controls. Essential reading for funding applicants, policy professionals, community leaders, and anyone trying to get projects off the ground in the West Midlands, it offers clear scenarios, ecosystem insights, and a detailed comparison table to navigate this complex landscape effectively.

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Thomas Pynchon Returns: What Shadow Ticket Means for Me

What’s that you say? Thomas Pynchon announces a new book to be released in October 2025? No frigging way, Dude. Will it be multi-episodic, akin to Gravity’s Rainbow? Mason and Dixon, Against the Day? V even? Or more accessible, Inherent Vice, Vineland, or Bleeding Edge? Am I buying a copy? Of course I am.

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Oh Birmingham, My Birmingham

Oh Birmingham, my Birmingham. How did it come to this? Once proud. Once industrial. Once ambitious. Now, we stand at a low point: streets lined not with opportunity but with black bin bags and broken promises. Today, a major incident has been declared. Not for flood, nor fire, nor terror. But for rubbish.

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Cyber, Digital, and Tech: Understanding the West Midlands Perspective

In the West Midlands, the definitions and boundaries of Cyber, Digital, and Tech are more than just academic semantics; they influence policy, investment decisions, and how the region positions itself on the national and global stage. While the rest of the UK and many parts of the world have moved towards recognising cyber as a distinct and critical sector, in the West Midlands, it still largely sits within the broader digital and technology categories.

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The History of Birmingham Tech Week: A Celebration of Innovation and Collaboration

Since its launch in 2019, Birmingham Tech Week has evolved into a premier event in the UK’s tech scene, celebrating innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. Founded by Yiannis Maos to highlight Birmingham’s tech potential, the event draws tech leaders, startups, and investors to exchange ideas and showcase the region’s growing tech ecosystem. Through the years, Birmingham Tech Week has expanded from a local event to an international platform, with themes ranging from digital transformation and sustainability to diversity and emerging technologies. As the city cements its role in the UK’s tech future, the event continues to foster growth, investment, and collaboration.

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‘Exploration of Cloud Computing’ at the Birmingham BCS Branch AGM this coming Monday; looking for new Committee members

Interested in Computing in Birmingham and the West Midlands? Then come along and join us at the BCS Birmingham Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM) this coming Monday, where we are looking for members to come forward to join the Branch Committee.

After the AGM itself I’ll be doing a presentation called “An Exploration of Cloud Computing” with the following synopsis:

An exploration of Cloud Computing looking at an overview of the subject of and some of the current common definitions available. Looking at the current state of the Cloud Computing market place and Cloud Vendors, what is actually being sold to people. Will also look at the different types of clouds, the differing approaches to engaging with cloud providers, the business models, impact on Business, and how Businesses can exploit the ‘Cloud’.

Answers to key Cloud Computing questions I hope to address include:

  • What’s Cloud Computing?
  • What’s different to what we’ve seen before?
  • What’s driving Cloud Computing adoption?
  • What types of Cloud are there?
  • How can I engage with them and use in my Business?
  • What’s the overview of the Cloud Computing marketplace now?
  • How is Cloud Computing likely to change?

A number of the members of the Birmingham Committee will be standing down at the AGM so we are looking for volunteers to join the Committee to take part in planning our activities for the 2009-10 session. If you are interested in joining the Committee please contact John Chinn, Branch Secretary, at john.chinn@manchester.ac.uk or you can come forward at the AGM itself.

Details for the event are:

  • Date: Monday the 18th of May, 2009
  • Time: AGM at 6pm for 6.30pm, Presentation at 7pm
  • Location: Trophy Suite, Tally Ho Sports & Conference Centre, Pershore Road, Birmingham B5 7RN
  • Cost: Free, Presentation open to all (including non-members of BCS), no registration required although we would prefer that you contact the Branch Secretary, John Chinn, at john.chinn@manchester.ac.uk or 0161 306 3733, so that we can advise the caterers of the correct numbers for the buffet.

Official BCS Birmingham Branch AGM and “An Exploration of Cloud Computing” page: https://birmingham.bcs.org/agm2009.htm

Very much hope that we will see you at the Branch AGM, and even better if your interested in being involved with the Committee.

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