Welcome to SHBA
The Small Heath Business Association (SHBA) is a dynamic and essential organisation dedicated to fostering the growth and prosperity of businesses within Small Heath and its surrounding areas in Birmingham. We serve as a critical hub for local and regional enterprises, meeting every Saturday from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM to provide invaluable support, guidance, and networking opportunities for our members.
At SHBA, we believe that a strong local economy is built on collaboration, shared knowledge, and robust advocacy. By joining us, you become part of a collective voice committed to elevating Small Heath's business landscape.
Our Core Mission
The SHBA tirelessly champions the interests of Small Heath's businesses by:
- Advocating for Your Needs: We represent our members' interests with local authorities, ensuring their concerns are heard on crucial issues such as infrastructure development, public safety, and local policy.
- Fostering Collaboration & Growth: We create a vibrant environment for networking and collaboration, offering direct access to vital support services including expert legal counsel, comprehensive accounting assistance, cutting-edge leadership and management training, crucial ICT support and guidance, tailored funding advice, and essential planning permission support.
- Promoting Local Economic Prosperity: Through impactful initiatives like "Shop Local Small Heath," we actively drive economic growth and encourage community support for our member businesses.
- Providing Essential Resources: We equip our members with the guidance, funding insights, and training programs necessary to thrive in a competitive market.
- Enhancing Our Community: We partner with local community groups to continuously improve and enrich the local environment, benefiting both businesses and residents.
Tangible Impact & Benefits
Through our regular events, practical workshops, and unwavering advocacy, the SHBA actively empowers businesses to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. Our efforts ensure that Small Heath remains a vibrant, prosperous, and supportive hub for both commerce and community life.
Joining SHBA means gaining a competitive edge, expanding your network, and contributing to the collective success of our thriving business community.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced SHBA Services
Beyond our core offerings, SHBA is committed to providing in-depth services designed to elevate your business operations and leadership capabilities:
- Leadership & Team Development: We provide comprehensive programs focused on developing, managing, and leading individuals and teams to achieve unparalleled success. This includes understanding effective approaches to team dynamics, achieving an optimal balance of skills and experience in teams, and mastering techniques for inspiring individuals and teams towards peak performance.
- Strategic Project Management: Learn to manage projects effectively to achieve results. Our guidance covers understanding the critical role of projects in delivering organisational strategy, mastering processes for initiating, planning, and executing projects, and identifying key factors that contribute to truly effective project management.
- Foundations of Management & Leadership: Gain a deep understanding of the principles of management and leadership within an organizational context. This includes exploring factors impacting an organization's internal environment, applying proven management and leadership theories, and developing the essential knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for an impactful management and leadership role.
Meet Our Chairperson: Muhammad Asif
Muhammad Asif, a dedicated director of SHBA, he is a cornerstone of our association, bringing a wealth of diverse expertise that significantly enhances our service offerings. His extensive background ensures that SHBA members receive top-tier guidance and support across various critical business functions.
- ICT and Computing Expertise: With a BSc in Software Engineering (Hons) and a PGCE in Computer Science, Muhammad is adept in ICT Infrastructure Security and Maintenance. He possesses extensive experience in providing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd line hardware and software support, and has a strong teaching background in various BTEC, GCSE, Esports, and CTEC modules related to ICT and Computing.
- Certified Project Management Professional: Holding a Prince2 Project Management qualification, Muhammad has successfully managed significant initiatives such as "ICT and security for SME" in collaboration with the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Birmingham City Council, and the "BCC and Small Heath community forum Refurbishment." He is highly skilled in defining project briefs, assessing realistic timescales, implementing robust cost management systems, and coordinating intricate design development.
- Networking and Infrastructure Mastery: His practical experience includes the comprehensive management and administration of network infrastructure, proficient Windows deployment and administration, and meticulous Active Directory and Group Policy administration. He is expert in configuring and managing diverse network devices (TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS), managing wireless networks, and boasts significant experience with cloud deployment, particularly with AWS cloud services and Xerox Workplace Suite.
- Experienced Trainer and Educator: Muhammad Asif is a highly accomplished trainer, assessor, and teacher. He has a proven track record of developing effective educational syllabi, delivering academic and technical grounding through differentiated instruction, and is proficient in utilising leading learning management platforms such as Moodle, Google Classroom, and Microsoft Teams. He also made significant contributions as a Subject Trainer for a Games programming course at Birmingham University.
- Proven Leadership and Management Acumen: His robust management experience includes successfully leading teams of 7 staff and 23 volunteers, overseeing 100 students and 12 partner organisations at MBDC LTD, and managing 2 development workers, 4 partner organisations, and 60 members at SHBA LTD. He is exceptionally skilled in problem-solving and decision-making techniques, and in developing effective approaches to identify, manage, and mitigate project risks.
- Exceptional Communication and Collaboration: Muhammad is renowned for his open-minded approach, clear communication, and profound appreciation for teamwork. He consistently fosters strong bonds with students and colleagues alike and excels in working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Data and Information Security: He possesses comprehensive knowledge of managing data and information securely via digital formats, coupled with a thorough understanding of relevant legislation and critical security issues.
- Deep Community Involvement: His commitment to community well-being is evident through extensive voluntary work, including roles as ICT Link Governor at Somerville Primary School, contributions to SRB Saltly, the Small Heath and Spark Hill steering group, Small Heath Business Association Limited, Small Heath Community Forum Limited, East Birmingham Regenerations Zone Board, Asian Business Forum, Advantage West Midlands Business Forum, and the Mora Kanyal Girls School Trust.
Ready to Empower Your Business?
Join the Small Heath Business Association today and unlock a world of support, networking, and growth opportunities. Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Small Heath.
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