We’re very excited to tell you that Ballyhoo has been featured on BBC TV in a news piece about the ongoing recovery of Longbridge following the closure of Rover cars a decade ago.
Last month, our managing director Anthony Chaffey had the opportunity to be interviewed by BBC Midlands Today’s Business and Transport Correspondent, Peter Plisner, for an in-depth piece on how the area of Longbridge has recovered in the 10 years following the demise of Rover.
The feature was broadcast on BBC Midlands Today (our local news on BBC1) on 7th April 2015 and is also now available to view online (see below).
Collapse of Rover
In 2005, 6,000 people lost their jobs when Rover abruptly closed their doors, delivering a deep blow to many families in and around Longbridge. From being an icon of the motor industry, Longbridge soon suffered high unemployment rates and the future seemed bleak. Step in regeneration specialists St Modwen who are gradually breathing new life into the area with the construction of homes, offices, shops, green space and the skyline-dominating Bournville College campus.
Our Home in Longbridge
With their focus on nurturing tech businesses, Ballyhoo made the Innovation Centre in Longbridge our home back in early 2013 and we’ve only got great things to say about the standard of work being carried out here as well as the plans on the horizon for the new town centre. It’s genuinely exciting to work in Longbridge and our business has gone from strength to strength with our landlord St Modwen able (and willing) to support our growth.
In addition to our main business at Ballyhoo we’ve also been lucky enough to establish, with the help of Longbridge Technology Park, the Midlands’ first open device lab and we have also been involved in Longbridge Light Festival.
BBC Midlands Today “MG Rover collapse: How has Longbridge recovered 10 years on?”
The full news clip is available below for your viewing pleasure, be sure to check out what Anthony had to say at the 01:40 mark.
