Up close and personal with one of the Jewellery Quarter’s biggest fans, agency boss Alan Sharman
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
I’m Alan Sharman, managing director of aptly-named Alan Sharman Agency. We supply high quality commercial and fashion models and actors to a wide range of clients for stills and video campaigns across the UK and globally. We’re based in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter.
HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN?
I live and work in the Jewellery Quarter, so I have a very short walk round the corner which takes about five minutes. It’s a nice five minutes though! There’s so much going on in the area right now – it’s very exciting.
HOW’S THE COMMUTE?
Easy as above! I walk past the Perry Beeches free school, the Jewellery Quarter hotel development and the George and the Dragon refurbishment – a reminder that it’s such a thriving area. I bought here nine years ago with the promise of all these developments which stalled slightly due to the recession, but it’s full steam ahead now.
IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN?
There’s nowhere I’d rather be than in Birmingham – it’s just the best place to work. Aside from its handy central location, it has an outstanding creative industry and some great high profile companies which is brilliant.
COFFEE BREAK?
Well I am a bit of a mocha man and they make a lovely one at Urban Coffee in the Jewellery Quarter. It’s always really good at Vertu and the Drop Forge too so we’re really spoilt for choice.
LUNCHTIME?
I go to Lunchi most days which has a great range of freshly prepared hot and cold food.
POWERWALKING?
For a bit of inspiration and to recharge the batteries I love walking along the canal and in the Lickey Hills. To get my fix of really serious exercise though, I try and go as often as I can to City Yoga in the JQ which is a wonderful place.
WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE CITY?
Around the canals and surprise, surprise the JQ! I promise that I venture out of the area occasionally!
AFTERWORK PINT?
Please don’t judge me but when the mood takes hold I am rather partial to a cocktail or a glass or two of champagne! There are some wonderful bars in Birmingham but some of the regular drop ins are Vertu, Gingers at Purnells Bistro, Bank and the Rose Tavern.
HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER?
While every part of the city has some great things going on, it’s sometimes in isolation, so connecting the different areas/sectors of the city more would be great.