Security experts Yale will produce 15,000 keys ( and their respective locks ), which will give recipients access to 22 locations around the city region that , combined , create a compelling portrait . The specially designed keys will begin production in early May at the company ’ s Portobello factory . They will be presented to recipients from 28 May at the exchange site in Birmingham New Street Station in beautifully designed boxes , with an accompanying passport , which acts as a map and guide .

For six weeks from 28 May anyone will be able to award the Key to the City to whomever they want , for whatever reason they want . Key holders will be able to explore private and intriguing places including special access to 103 Colmore Row ( a view of the city from the 18th floor terrace ); Northfield Community Garden ; Minworth Green Bridge ; Green Lane Masjid and Ikon Gallery .

Harry Warrender , Senior Vice President and Head of UKI . ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions commented : “ With over 180 years ’ experience

in lock making and as a Midlands-based business , it felt like the perfect partnership . The bespoke Yale keys will offer anyone visiting Birmingham the opportunity to unlock and explore new experiences around the city . We hope as many people as possible get the chance to use one

of the keys and be part of this exciting event .”

Creator of Key to the City Paul Ramírez Jonas said ‘ What if everyone , not just the chosen few , could be recognised with the Key to the City of Birmingham ? What if anyone could decide who is deserving of the Freedom of the City ? What if this key could open dozens of previously unexplored spaces around the city ? And what if all those

spaces together created a portrait of Birmingham ?’

The Key Exchange Ceremony site , located beneath the departure boards at New Street Station , will be open from 11am - 7pm from 28 May - 5 June inclusive and thereafter from 11am - 7pm on Wednesdays , Thursdays , Fridays , Saturdays and Sundays . There is no need to register in advance , just turn up on the day . Arrive in pairs or

solo to be partnered up to collect your keys - all locations are accessed using this single key . This is a FREE event .

For more information on Key to the City and Birmingham 2022 Festival - visit birmingham2022 . com / festival Information on Key to the City can also be found at wearefierce . org

www . yalehome . com

West Midlands based home security provider , ERA , has raised over £ 20,000 for Hope House Children ’ s Hospices , its nominated charity for 2020 and 2021 , which supports seriously ill children and their families .

Over the last two years , employees from across every area of ERA ’ s operations have taken part in a series of fundraising activities to raise vital funds for the charity . This included the ‘ GMF 100 ’ Cycling Challenge , which saw employees take to their saddles to cycle 100 miles in a single day .

Helen Downer , President of Tyman UK and Ireland , commented :

“ With many of our fundraising efforts put on hold in 2020 due to the pandemic , we chose to select Hope House as our nominated charity for a second year running , which allowed us to continue our fundraising efforts and raise a further £ 11,934 in 2021 .”

Hope House Ty Gobaith Children

’ s Hospices supports over 750 families throughout Shropshire , Cheshire , Mid and North Wales , providing palliative care for children with life-limiting conditions , in addition to counselling and bereavement support .

www . hopehouse . org . uk

Hannah Coan , a Blackburn Rovers Ladies player sponsored by Vista Panels , has been named Rovers Ladies Young Player and Players ’ Player of the Season .

Last year , the leading composite door and uPVC panels manufacturer sponsored Hannah , the daughter of one of their employees , for the 2021 / 22 FA Women ’ s Championship season .

The 21-year-old defender commented : “ It feels really good to be named Young Player of the Season , especially after a tough season last year . This year has been more positive for me , and I think that I ’ ve really developed . Since sponsoring me last year , Vista has been there to support me and cheer me on , which has really meant a lot to me .”

Ian Smith , Vista ’ s Business Development and Marketing Manager , comments : “ As the daughter of one of our valued employees , we decided to sponsor Hannah last year when she started playing first team football for Blackburn . We ’ ve been following her progress ever since , giving her our full backing and support , and we ’ re very proud to see her win two prestigious awards .”

www . vistapanels . co . uk