Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, which was invited to specify exactly where the Enterprise Zone should be, has recently decided to put forward Birmingham city centre.

This designation could spell huge business growth in Birmingham, encouraging private investment and increasing employment in the city. Liz Peace, chief executive of the British Property foundation, recently cited London’s Docklands area as an example of how enterprise zones can work. "Previous [enterprise zones] in the UK served to kick start a process of regeneration which would not otherwise have been possible, with new factories, offices and other commercial development being delivered in some very challenging areas and times".

Birmingham city centre has already changed dramatically over recent years, with the addition of the new Bullring shopping centre and the extensive development of office areas in the city centre and elsewhere. The city already attracts thousands of business visitors each year, but should be set to see even more as the city’s enterprise zone develops. Whether businesspeople relocate to the area permanently , or simply stay there short-term, there is sure to be an increase in demand for corporate accommodation. And after a hard day at the office, few people will want to return to a hotel room, and the serviced apartments Birmingham has to offer provide an affordable and comfortable alternative.

Birmingham city centre is already a great place to work. Canal-side area Brindley Place is lined with offices but also has numerous bars, cafes and restaurants where staff can relax at lunch or after work. The Bullring is full of high street shops and also offers a wide range of cafes and restaurants, many overlooking St Martin’s Church. Most of the serviced apartments Birmingham has to offer are in the compact city centre: the serviced apartments in the Rotunda building are just a three minute walk from the Bullring.

Serviced apartments Birmingham are becoming more popular because of the benefits they offer in comparison with hotels. All come with a kitchenette or kitchen, so guests can cook for themselves rather than having to rely on restaurant meals. However, all are within easy walking distance of Birmingham’s many restaurants, which serve everything from Indian baltis to French haute cuisine.

The serviced apartments Birmingham has to offer are also cost-effective, with a simple pricing structure – something that’s important at a time when many companies have to monitor their business travel costs more carefully than ever. Most serviced apartments will offer all-inclusive rates, so there will be no hidden extra charges for broadband or utility bills and businesses can avoid extra charges for room service or laundry. Furthermore, most serviced apartments offer lower rates for longer stays, making them perfectly suited to business travellers.