Nechells POD and KPMG LLP

On 18th July 2008 Nechells+ EAZ were handed the keys to the former NACE centre in Nechells. This former nursery had been used for a community education project and was now going to be the base for the Nechells+ Education Action Zone and Heartlands Extended Services Cluster.

The building and grounds were in desperate need of a miracle makeover before staff could move in. The miracle came in the shape of KPMG LLP who offered the full “Changing Rooms” style treatment by providing in excess of seventy staff who helped to transform the accommodation on site.

The KMPG LLP volunteers spent the whole day cleaning, tidying, painting and gardening. As a result of the commitment of the volunteers both the inside and outside of the building was more appealing and a safer place for the local community to access and for workers to based. The KPMG LLP team made a real difference which had a positive impact on the project. The building and grounds were revitalised thanks to their time and effort.

Noran Flynn Nechells EAZ director explained "The EAZ is here to respond to the challeneges that the community faces, and working with the extended school cluster we want to raise attainment, promote community cohesion and ensure that Nechells is a vibrant urban community. we want to be able to deliver these valuable services to primary and secondary schools pupils, young adults and families especially those with children under five, in order to do this we needed to secure a home that can provide people from Nechells with a safe haven.

Mel Egglenton, Senior Partner of KPMG in Birmingham said of the development "This is a fantastic oppurtunity for members of our team to make a real difference to the communities in which we live and work. Our team picked the Nechells Plus EAZ Centre as a project to support because of it's purpose and the real impact it will have.

Councillor Les Lawerence went on to comment that; "The Nechells + EAZ centre will play a key role in helping the community, the children, young people and families from Nechells to stay safe and enjoy and achieve to the best of their ability."

The Nechells + EAZ Centre is situated in a deprived area of inner city Birmingham that is faced with challenging unemployement, educational attainment and social issues on a daily basis.

KPMG Support our Career Day 

Gemma Rowe from KPMG in Birmingham helped support the EAZ Career Day at Oscott College.