Lord Mayor Ken Wood to visit ACME Whistles to explore Birmingham community commitment

ACME Whistles, headquartered in the Jewellery Quarter, is the world’s largest whistle manufacturer, exporting six million whistles annually to 119 countries.

Throughout the visit, Councillor Wood will engage with the ACME team to gain firsthand insight into the company's commitment to community empowerment and responsible corporate citizenship through work experience programmes, partnerships with local schools, and support for charities.

The company also plays a pivotal role in supporting Birmingham's neighbourhoods by exclusively recruiting employees from economically challenged areas, specifically postcodes B19, B20, and B6.

Simon Topman, CEO of Acme Whistles, said: “Employing only from the local postcodes that are about our own is deliberate because that is the part of the City that is deprived- unemployment is high, especially among young people, and we can offer local unskilled and semi-skilled jobs with good working conditions.

“We have lived as a company in this part of town for 154 years. We are connected to it in a special way, I personally grew up 1 mile away. We want to continue being part of our neighbourhood with a sense of place. Being located where we have contributed to our success.”

Talking about the company’s collaboration with local organisations, he added: “We work closely with The Ladywood Project, raising money and donating useful items to their beneficiaries. We’ve also provided whistles for other groups in Birmingham, encouraging donations to the Ladywood Project instead of taking payment, helping some of the poorest in the City establish homes and a better quality of life

"For over 40 years, we have partnered with local schools, notably Mayfield, which serves the city's most disadvantaged students. Our collaboration includes sponsoring events, providing one-to-one work experiences, and previously working on the Young Enterprise program to equip students with essential business skills.”

The itinerary will include highlights such as a visit to the original founder's bench, the site of the world’s first police whistle invention, and a historical exhibit on Air Raid Precautions equipment. Councillor Wood will also tour various production areas, including the Press Shop, Plastic Moulding, and Plating Shop.

Ben McFarlane, Head of Sales and Marketing at ACME Whistles, added: “Everyone at ACME Whistles is thrilled to welcome the Lord Mayor.

“We are committed to being a responsible corporate citizen and actively engaging with the community, and we look forward to exploring new opportunities to deepen our involvement in Birmingham.

“The team is eager to discuss potential collaborations that can further enhance community wellbeing during the Lord Mayor’s visit.”