Join us for our September Breakfasting Networking event.

This month we are joined by the Midland Metro Alliance giving us an opportunity to discover how trams enhance public transport options, the challenges faced with construction through city centres and the benefits of light rail in urban environments.

Established in 2016, Midland Metro Alliance is a team of nine partners working together to design and construct tram extensions across the region on behalf of Transport for West Midlands.

The event will be hosted by Maria Ion, Project Director for Birmingham Eastside Extension (BEE) and Rose Rees, Head of Engagement & Skills at MMA.

We will also hear from guest speakers Tom Bedford, Net Zero & Smart Energy Training Manager, as well as Julian Nartey, Sustainability Advisor.

Please note – attendees are advised to wear comfortable clothing and footwear for this event.

Tickets are free and there are only a limited number available.

8:15am – meet at Bull Street tram stop

8:30am – short walk to Section 2, hosted by Maria Ion & Rose Rees

9:15am – walk to Midland Metro Alliance head office (16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD)

9:30am – welcome and light refreshments

• Overview of Midland Metro Alliance (Rose Rees)
• Challenges and successes managing city centre light rail projects (Maria Ion)
• Net Zero & Smart Energy (Tom Bedford)
• Sustainability (Julian Nartey)

10:45am – event finish

Speakers

Tom Bedford (Net Zero and Smart Energy Training Manager, Keele University)

Tom looks after the management of the university’s CPD offering on the net zero transition. This includes the creation and delivery of courses in Net Zero & Smart Energy and Place Based Decarbonisation, supporting organisations on the net zero transition by translating the most recent finding into organisationally relevant information.

Alongside this, Tom conducts research on governing the net zero transition and how to address the green skills gaps on our pathway to net zero.

Julian Nartey (Sustainability Advisor)

Julian is a Sustainability Advisor with a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil and Transportation Engineering. He is passionate and committed to sustainability, constantly seeking proactive solutions to environmental challenges. Julian works with project teams to ensure alignment with client objectives, legislative requirements, fostering widespread knowledge sharing and continuous learning.

In this role he monitors progress against objectives and key performance indicators defined in the Project Sustainability Plan.