If an army marches on its stomach...

A late night following the Birmingham Forward AGM and Deal of the Year certainly loosened the tongues of the city's business leaders. One might have expected the conversation to turn to the economic climate, the deadly rivalry between city firms, or to debate key Birmingham issues such as transport or civic leadership.

Hell no. Amongst the revelations over dinner were that Crosse & Blackwell baked beans were better than Heinz, and that Sainsbury's on Broad Street offered better networking opportunities than Spar in Brindleyplace.

Although I've never heard a better argument for work/life balance (guys, you need to stay in more and learn to cook), it's wonderfully refreshing to have such normal conversations with the people driving forward our city economy. The fact that they can gather around a single table and are happy to share such personal information bodes well for Birmingham's future.

But if an army truly marches on its stomach, Birmingham's professional services community won't get far on Pot Noodles and Ginsters pasties.

Food parcels at the ready girls...