GBS was honoured to host Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, at our new Norfolk House campus in Birmingham on 1st December. Ms Phillips was welcomed on the day by Professor Peter Heard, Provost of GBS and James Kennedy, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at GBS.

Following a warm welcome, Ms Phillips was taken on several class visits. This was a great occasion to showcase the transformative impact of education on our students in the classroom.

Ms Phillips enjoyed speaking with students and teachers, helping to build a better perspective of how GBS is adding value to people’s lives and the local community each day.

After this, Ms Phillips visited the newly created Enterprise Hub and learned some of the ways that we encourage entrepreneurs within our student body from Dr David Bozward, Director of Employability and Entrepreneurship.

Together, our efforts are addressing the current deficit of talent available across the Black Country giving people the training they need to gain high-quality employment — which provides a common benefit for us all.

Prof. Peter Heard said: “Our new Norfolk House facility reflects our commitment to Birmingham and its local communities, as we continue to help our students grow into future leaders. We cater to a unique student demographic in keeping with Birmingham’s multicultural population and great diversity. Most of our students are mature, and we are proud to provide meaningful personal development to underrepresented sections of society.”

GBS Deputy CEO, James Kennedy, was delighted by the event and the lasting impression that was made. “It was a great pleasure to give Jess Phillips a tour of Norfolk House and to enable a leading politician to understand how we change lives through education every day,” he said. “The work we do every day is creating a lasting impact, and I am sure that Jess Phillips feels the same following her special visit.”

The GBS Norfolk House campus is an outstanding centre of learning in the heart of Birmingham and ideally situated for the best transport links, amenities and attractions in the city. Our new location in Birmingham is also poised to benefit from Birmingham’s Big City Plan — Europe’s largest planning exercise which will revolutionise around 2,000 acres of Birmingham’s city centre.

The excellent features and facilities at Norfolk House symbolise the great redevelopment that has taken place. Office and learning spaces within the building have been updated to a Grade A level — helping to futureproof high levels of accessibility, practicality and functionality.

A special guest visit like this provides affirmation and inspiration to us all to continue our collective pursuit of excellence at GBS.