Welcome to the Birmingham Area
It is said that the
Institution of Mechanical Engineers was founded in 1847 in the Queen's Hotel in
Birmingham, so it's great news that we have been able to rejuvenate a
Birmingham Area committee. There are more than 1600 members who live or work in
Birmingham and with the changes in engineering in the Midlands it's an exciting
place to be.
The new committee's aim is to support the local engineering community with
valued events and services which develop and promote knowledge, understanding
and professionalism of mechanical engineers, for the benefit of all. We want
activities to be supportive of Member's interests, which will be varied
considering the range of industries active in the Midlands!
Supported by Regional IMechE staff and strong links with other IMechE division
and other institutions, the new and enthusiastic committee will keep you up to
date with news and events in the area.
Contact us if you want any more details or have any comments about what you
want from the new Birmingham area committee.
26 September 2010 | 08:00 - 20:00
This award winning visitor attraction is an impressive Victorian monument but in its day served a vital role in the water transport system of the North West. It joins the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal running high above and was an essential route for goods between the industrial Midlands and the ports on the Mersey. Built in 1875, the lift is now fully restored to its operating condition and daily lifts and lowers boats – but now just for enjoyment. The lift and surrounding area are an attraction for all; engineers can wonder at the sheer mechanics of the system, children can be fascinated by the boats and the lift, and everyone can enjoy the boat trip and the great surroundings at the centre.
07 October 2010 | 12:00 - 17:00
Earlier this year we had a very successful visit to the Westminster clock tower (Big Ben). Numbers for this visit are very limited and we were heavily oversubscribed on that occasion.
Because of this we have managed to book a second visit to the clock tower for 7th October 2010.
As this has been booked directly and not through the normal channels of a local MP we are restricted on this occasion to members of the IMechE only - friends and family will not be allowed.
Details for the visit have not yet been established but the costs are likely to be similar to last time (£35).
If you are interested in this visit please e-mail john.butler@theiet.org as soon as possible - all applications will be taken on an as received basis.
Further details will be issued later.
21 October 2010 | 08:45 - 16:45
Due to the current economic climate, the nature of business is changing. Employees are increasingly setting up as consultants, highlighting many issues that they were previously unaware of. As a lone consultant, or as a partner in a small practice, activities that would be handled by entire departments in large organisations fall on your shoulders, eg accountancy, book-keeping, taxation, VAT and marketing. There are also specific issues faced by consultants, such as what to charge, agreeing suitable terms with clients and Professional Indemnity insurance.
This seminar will address these considerations, as well as provide valuable networking opportunities to give you the chance to share experiences and best practice with other delegates.
21 October 2010 | 13:00 - 17:00
This year is JCB's 65th Birthday! Since the day the company was formed, it has remained a family owned business with innovation and engineering at the heart of what it does. JCB is now a major global player in the construction equipment sector with manufacturing business operations in 18 factories in 6 countries over 4 continents. This afternoon event is an opportunity to learn about the history of JCB and its product development, as well as an opportunity to tour the JCB World Headquarters, home to the world number 1 Backhoe Loader.
