Up close with the CEO of LoveBrum and director of bareface Meida PJ Ellis

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

I am P J Ellis, director of Bareface Media, a local full service marketing and advertising agency. We won a Birmingham Post Business Award last year, so we’re pretty good! I am also CEO of the new LoveBrum charity which reaches out to Birmingham’s hidden-gem projects that are delivering real change to our awesome city.

HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN?

I am based on Temple Row in the city and also have offices in the Custard Factory, Digbeth so I split my time between the Four Oaks to New Street London Midland train (ouch!!) and driving into work. The latter is pretty easy as I’m an early bird and miss the mad-rush on the Aston Expressway.

HOW’S THE COMMUTE?

I actually like it. I am very passionate about my work so am generally excited to get the day underway. Plus, it gives me an undisturbed 20 to 30 minutes to really relax into my day – thinking about beaches, family, friends, and Birmingham City winning the FA Cup! On the train, I’ll read a book or catch up on the news.

IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN?

It’s amazing. I have worked in places such as London and Liverpool but I always found myself coming back to Birmingham. The people are fantastic and there are plenty of opportunities.

COFFEE BREAK?

City centre, usually Yorks Bakery or Urban Coffee. Digbeth, probably Yumm.

LUNCHTIME?

I try to sample as many eateries as possible in the city but Fumo is probably my favourite. I recently tried the Sunflower Lounge and it was cracking. In Digbeth it’s definitely the Old Crown. They are doing 2-4-1 burgers on a Tuesday now (don’t tell the wife).

POWERWALKING?

I love strolling though Brum and simply taking in the city, its skyline and its people. It really does inspire me.

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE CITY?

I love it all. I love Digbeth. It is super-cool. The city centre, and especially Colmore Row, is buzzing with activity and Pigeon Park is a must in the summer. Brindleyplace is lovely and Eastside is also on the up. I live in Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield and have some great pubs, restaurants, schools and Sutton Park on the doorstep.

AFTERWORK PINT?

A nice Smoky Cocktail at Fumo, G&T (Langleys please!) at the Jekyll & Hyde or a Scotch whisky in the Old Contemptibles.

HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER?

By supporting LoveBrum. You’ll be celebrating us as a city, supporting real change and making sure the drum is beaten hard enough to really put us back on the map. More investment is needed in cycle paths, and more businesses need to embrace their CSR days and unite to celebrate local projects that are really making a difference. Automatic places in the Premier League for all the Midlands clubs would also be welcomed!