Birmingham is benefiting from a bit of a love-in of late.
Businesses from Canary Wharf are relocating to the city, the high speed train will end up there while areas like Digbeth are finding new found interest. The optical industry is also kicking against the London obsession by supporting an annual move to Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre.
And the love continues. The atmosphere at this year's Optrafair, and at the Optician Awards staged on the Saturday night, was fantastic. One show goers said he felt the whole of optics was playing on the same wicket, that everyone was pulling together. Quite a comment for trade show.
But there is much to be said for the move to the Midlands. London is widely thought to be overheating and out of control when it comes to costs. Prices for accommodation, food, travel, entertainment are all spiraling ever upwards. On a recent trip I spoke to several international journalists who had come to Optrafair in London last year. They had all lamented the cost of everything ( despite Optrafair funding their rooms). I'm sure they all enjoyed their stay in London, they certainly partied away at the Optician Awards but for business Birmingham is increasingly making more sense.
