Barbecue event celebrates success of awards applicants

Future Faces, the largest young professionals’ network in Greater Birmingham, recently held a BBQ evening for the shortlisted applicants of the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards 2024.

Hosted by Unique Venues Birmingham at the Library of Birmingham, the event saw over 140 people attend to celebrate the successes of the shortlisted applicants in their awards journey so far.

The evening featured a build-your-own-burger stand courtesy of Wilson Wale, Unique Venues Birmingham’s new catering company, as well as a selection of drinks from Albert’s Schloss, The Distillery, BOX and The Mocktail Squad.

A cheque was also presented to Future Faces’ previous charity of the year, Birmingham Mind, showcasing the grand total of £6,874.61 that has been raised for the charity in the last year through various fundraising events.

Suzanna Reid Barreiro da Silva, managing director at Unique Venues Birmingham, said: “We were delighted that Future Faces approached Unique Venues Birmingham (UVB) to sponsor the celebration of this year’s Future Faces finalists event.  Here at UVB we’re all about nurturing creativity and embracing young talent in the industry, and take pride in our team members who have found great value in being part of the Future Faces Programme.

“We love creating unique events and this year wanted to provide a creative twist to our catering, showcasing an array of food topped off with a tantalising sweet cart with a selection of chef’s homemade sweet grazing. This spin on interactive sundae making, combined with a host of professionals networking, sharing ideas and talking to the exhibitors gave a real buzz to the Book Rotunda.

“We wish all the finalists good luck for the awards, and look forward to continuing to partner with Future Faces moving forward.”

Lauren Willis, head of Sales (Birmingham) at Mosaic Pub & Dining, said: “What an evening! It was a pleasure to sponsor the Shortlist BBQ and showcase our Gin, Round House which is distilled locally at The Distillery, Brindley Place. The evening consisted of lots of conversations around our signature Gin, alongside our wider Birmingham portfolio of venues, The Button Factory and 180 Club @ The Rectory. Good luck to all of the finalists!”

Shereen Johal, associate at Shoosmiths, is shortlisted in the Legal category. Speaking about the shortlist BBQ, she said: “The shortlist BBQ was a fantastic chance to connect with fellow finalists and celebrate the hard work that brought us here. It was also wonderful to be joined by many of the judges who took the time for the shortlist interviews.

“The atmosphere was charged with excitement, and hearing Sophie’s speech about the achievements of past winners was both inspiring and motivating, highlighting the endless possibilities ahead. Having attended last year’s awards as a guest and thoroughly enjoying the celebration of Birmingham’s incredible young talent, I’m now looking forward to this year’s awards night as a finalist.”

Photo credit: Mr Ladd Media