2007 was yet again another successful year for Birmingham matrics and once again, the pinnacle of our achievements was the Hollywood Ball.

Guests were asked to come dressed as their favourite film star or character and costumes ranged from Fred Astaire to Jack Sparrow and they were treated to a night of indulgence and decadence.

After dinner many guests took advantage of the free vodka luge and danced the night away to the live entertainment.  A few of the costumed hardcore ventured into the bars of central Birmingham at the end of the evening to the general bemusement of doormen and drinkers alike.

My special thanks and appreciation go out to our main sponsors Judd Farris, who once again got into the spirit of things with their inventive costume styles.

Thanks must also go to our other sponsors – Drivers Jonas, Colliers CRE, Fleet Milne Residential, PKF accountants, Mills and Reeve and Mitie Security - without whom we just could not afford to put on such an amazing event.

2008 should be an exiting year for many reasons but for me, in May, it will mark the end of an era when my fingers are finally prised from the Chair role.

Watch this space to find out who my successor will be.  I will be off to sit on the national RICS matrics council but will make sure I still support our local events, which I am sure will go from strength to strength under the new Chair.

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as your Chair for the past few years and I hope you continue to support all the hard work that your Birmingham committee puts in.

Before I sign off, I must mention the hard work and effort put in by Harvey Stubbs in setting up our Mentor scheme with students at Birmingham City University (formerly known as UCE).  Thanks Harvey.

Hope to see you soon at one of our staggeringly fantastic events.

Paul Arnell
Chair
+44 (0)121 237 4310
paularnell@driversjonas.com