131 Courses in Birmingham

LOOKING FOR: MG, YA, GRAPHIC NOVELS Katie Blagden is a Literary Agent at The Ampersand Agency, representing authors and author-illustrators across various genres and age ranges. She previously worked with Arabella Stein at the Bright Agency, where she helped launch their Literary list. Her notable projects include the Arcana duology by Sam Prentice-Jones (Macmillan US / Hot Key Books) and The River Thief by Hannah Peck (Piccadilly Press). In all areas Katie seeks commercial, plot-driven ideas with a great hook. In adult fiction, Katie specialises in, and is drawn to, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Speculative Fiction, Magical Realism and Horror. She is particularly looking for works that cross genre lines or subvert reader expectations. She loves Babel by R. F. Kuang; Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell; Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik; Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah; Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovich; The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers; The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin; Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree; The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winters; Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrel by Susanna Clarke; The Girl With All The Gifts by M. R. Carey; One Last Stop by Casey Mcquiston; Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao; The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch; The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern; The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo; Kindred by Octavia E. Butler; Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin; all and anything by Terry Pratchett! Graphic Novels favoured by Katie are across all ages and include the likes of Homebody by Theo Parish; Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe; Lumber Janes by N. D. Stevens et al; On A Sunbeam by Tillie Walden; Through The Woods by Emma Carrol; The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen; Heartstopper by Alice Oseman; El Deafo by Cece Bell; Roller Girls by Victoria Jamieson; Skyward by Joe Henderson and Lee Garbett; Faith by Jody Houser. For Graphic Novels, Katie is currently only considering Author-Illustrators (or Author/Illustrator pairings). In children’s, Katie specialises in Middle Grade, YA and Crossover Fiction, She is looking for fast, funny and action-packed Middle Grade. In YA, she is drawn to grounded or contemporary SFF, queer stories and fairytale or folktale inspired works. Examples of books in this area Katie loves are All That's Left in the World by Erik J Brown; The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness; Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas; Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi; The Deathless Girls by Kiran Millwood Hargrave; Holes by Louis Sachar; Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo; Gone by Michael Grant; His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman; Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell; The Dark Lady by Akala; Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan; The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper; Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer. Katie is an advocate for centring traditionally underrepresented voices, and actively works to discover and develop authors and author-illustrators from diverse backgrounds. Katie’s previous experience includes marketing, bookselling and advertising. She also appeared as a contributor on the Graham Norton Book Club for Audible for all six seasons. When she’s not reading, you can find Katie playing Dungeons & Dragons, trying a new crafty hobby (before abandoning it for something new), or spoiling her dog Poe. Katie would like you to submit a covering letter, one page synopsis and the first three chapters (Max 5000 words) of your completed manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Katie is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print).  By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Wednesday 3rd September 2025

The COLP role goes beyond just ensuring your firm follows the rules in the SRA Standards and Regulations, it also comes with a personal accountability factor that demands your attention. Fear not! This 3 hour course will usher you through the intricacies of being a COLP, ensuring you not only meet but excel in your regulatory obligations.  The course will cover: Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Understanding the Framework for COLPs Dive into the intricate regulatory framework that Compliance Officers for Legal Practice (COLPs) operate under. Shouldering the Responsibility: Unpacking the Duties of a COLP Explore the multifaceted responsibilities that come with the role of a COLP. Choosing the Right Leader: Identifying the Ideal COLP Candidate Learn the criteria for selecting the most suitable individual to take on the crucial role of COLP. Cracking the Codes: Key Elements of Codes and SRA Principles Delve into the essential components of the Codes and SRA Principles that form the backbone of legal compliance. Building a Robust Foundation: Understanding Compliance Systems for All Firms Explore the concept of compliance systems, what they entail, and why every firm should have one in place. Reporting Matters: Recognising 'Serious' Issues, SRA Enforcement Strategy, and Reporting Protocols Uncover the definition of 'serious' matters, grasp the SRA Enforcement Strategy, and gain practical insights on making effective reports to the SRA. Paper Trails Matter: Effective Record Keeping, Including Non-material Breaches Master the art of comprehensive record-keeping, including strategies for recording non-material breaches, and understand why it's integral to compliance. Personal Liability: Understanding and Mitigating Risks Navigate the landscape of personal liability for COLPs and develop strategies to mitigate associated risks. Staying Ahead: Keeping Abreast of Regulatory Changes and Guidance Develop effective strategies for staying up to date with dynamic regulatory changes and evolving guidance. Planning for Compliance: Crafting a Robust Strategy, Assessing Risk, and File Reviewing Formulate a comprehensive plan for tackling compliance, including risk assessment, maintaining risk registers, and implementing effective file reviewing. Across the Board: Legal and Regulatory Compliance Areas Every COLP Must Master Gain a high-level overview of crucial legal and regulatory compliance areas, including AML, transparency rules, and other pivotal aspects that demand the attention of all COLPs. Target Audience This online course is suitable for those new to the COLP role, or those supporting the COLP and for those that would like a refresher of the role and their responsibilities. Resources Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Helen Torresi, Consultant, DG Legal Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).

LOOKING FOR: YA, NA, ADULT FICTION Helen Lane has been an established agent for several years, formerly with the Booker Albert Agency before joining the Ki Agency. She has a BSc in Environmental Science from the University of East Anglia and a postgrad qualification in Acoustics. She lives in London with her family and the world’s naughtiest cocker spaniel. Helen represents (Adult) Fantasy, Sci Fi, Horror, Romance, Action & Adventure, and Thrillers. She also represents select YA Fantasy, Horror, and Sci Fi. Her tastes do run towards the dark and she is slightly obsessed with monster stories in general (especially if they have giant sharks or squids). And stories set in extreme environments such as the arctic, jungle, caves, ocean, and mountains. But she DOES NOT want to read about affairs or abuse in any genre. (Her husband likes her to add here that this is nothing to do with him, she just doesn’t like sad stories). Her favourite authors are Mira Grant, Greig Beck, James Rollins, Matthew Reilly, Darcy Coates, Andy Weir, Clive Cussler, R F Kuang, Patricia Briggs, and Kelley Armstrong. Her comfort movies are: Jaws, Outbreak, The Cave, Sanctum, Scream, Buffy, Grey's Anatomy, Charmed, Vampire Diaries. You can find her on: Bluesky: @helenlane.bsky.social Instagram: hflane_agenting Helen would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 page synopsis and first three chapters (Max 5,000 words) of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Helen is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print).  By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Wednesday 3rd September 2025

CRRUK equips professionals with the concepts, skills and tools to build conscious, intentional relationships, and to coach relationship systems of any size.

Join Mark on Thursday mornings to move, explore, and wake up to your true nature. Mark's classes are all about re-connecting the body and mind in order to find a sense of health, integration, freedom and kindness. Most of the time his classes are based around the seasons, since the Chinese energy system is very connected to the time of year and changing seasons.

LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION, NON-FICTION Emily MacDonald joined 42 management and production company in 2019, working with Eugenie Furniss across her clients. She is now an agent in the Books Department, and is building her own list. Send Emily a story with characters that just won't leave her and a narrative that pulls her in, keeping her immersed in the world well after she has finished reading. She reads across a wide-range and has a particular interest in: book club, high-concept crime/thriller, upmarket and literary fiction. In fiction, Emily would love to find a crime/thriller set within a subcult: a modern retelling of British folklore (think Kamila Shamsie’s Home Fire); an unconventional love story; and a character led journey of self-discovery (especially one set within a diasporic community). Emily is also looking for narrative non-fiction which immerses the reader into an untold true story (personal or historical), exploring a new point of view, and providing a compelling social commentary, with an investigative twist. Think the obsessive vein of Kirk W. Johnson or personal/political dispatches of Aidan Hartley. Emily wants her horizons to expand while she reads. In both fiction and non-fiction, Emily loves stories woven into their surroundings, where the setting is as central a character as those who drive the narrative. In both spheres, she is keen to hear from Scottish and regional voices with stories to tell. Please note, Emily is not currently accepting submissions for Children's lit/YA and SFF. Emily would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 - 2 page synopsis and the first 5,000 words of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Emily is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print).  By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Friday 5th September 2025 at 11:00am UK BST

🌿 Guided Minds: A 12-Month Meditation Journey Create calm, clarity & connection—one month at a time. Guided Minds is a year-long meditation programme designed to help you build a sustainable, enriching practice through monthly themes, supportive sessions, and practical tools for real life. Whether you're new to meditation or looking to deepen your experience, this programme will guide you with compassion and clarity. 🔁 Programme Format Weekly Live Sessions (Online & In-Person) Monthly Themes & Challenges Guided Meditations & Practices Supportive Community Access to Session Recordings Join monthly or commit to the full journey—the choice is yours. 🌟 Monthly Themes Overview July: Making Meditation a Healthy Habit Learn how to create a sustainable daily practice using breath, posture and science-backed techniques. ✔️ Relaxation response ✔️ Meditation for clarity & calm ✔️ Core practices: breath, posture, stillness ✔️ In-person Session 5: “Pulling It All Together” August: Meditation & Mindfulness Focus on the profound benefits of meditation: ✔️ Stress relief, heart health, immunity ✔️ Slowing ageing, boosting self-compassion ✔️ 3 Principles: Habituation, Wisdom, Openheartedness ✔️ Diamond Dedication Meditation September: Calming a Wandering Mind Tame your busy mind through simple, powerful practices. ✔️ Focused attention vs. mind-wandering ✔️ Thought loops & rumination ✔️ Colour, mantra & visualisation meditations ✔️ Mindfulness of thought October: Creating a Mindful Life Bring mindfulness into everyday moments. ✔️ Living in the now ✔️ Radical acceptance & surrender ✔️ Senses as anchors: sound, touch, breath ✔️ Showing up fully for life November: Meditation for Stress Relief Practical methods to manage stress & emotional overload. ✔️ Good vs. bad stress ✔️ The ego, fight/flight, and impermanence ✔️ Gratitude & visualisation ✔️ Overcoming obstacles to meditation December: Rest & Reflection Warm the heart and calm the mind before the holidays. ✔️ Body-based awareness ✔️ Reviewing your progress ✔️ Meditations for resilience ✔️ Peaceful practices for winter January: Meditation for Positive Emotions Start the year with joy, love, and purpose. ✔️ Heart-opening meditations ✔️ Gratitude & happiness ✔️ Intention-setting with optional cacao ceremony ✔️ Emotional healing & connection February: Meditation for Well-Being A holistic approach to health from the inside out. ✔️ Four foundations of mindfulness ✔️ Forgiveness (including Huna meditations) ✔️ Body-mind connection ✔️ Compassion and curiosity March: Deeper into Meditation Explore advanced techniques with renewed clarity. ✔️ Insight, wisdom, open-heartedness ✔️ Posture & Nine-Cycle Breathing ✔️ Concentration & mental clarity ✔️ Appreciation for life April: Meditation for Relaxation Recharge your nervous system with rest-focused meditations. ✔️ Body scan & breath awareness ✔️ Guided deep relaxation ✔️ Calming anxiety & overactivity ✔️ Rest as a radical act May: The Art of Living Live with intention and reverence. ✔️ Meditation on impermanence & emptiness ✔️ Self-love & emotional nourishment ✔️ Present moment awareness ✔️ Breath as a life companion June: Meditation on Inner Peace End the year rooted, spacious, and unshakable. ✔️ Letting go of resistance ✔️ Unflappability & mental resilience ✔️ Responsibility & self-awareness ✔️ Lasting inner calm and clarity 💷 Pricing Options Online sessions: £10 each In-person sessions: £15 each Join the Guided Minds Meditation Community for £28/month ✓ Includes all sessions (online & in-person) ✓ Unlimited access to recordings ✓ Bonus practices & group support 🌱 Ready to begin? Each month offers a new opportunity to reset, reflect and grow. Join any time, or commit to the full year and transform your relationship with your mind, body and life.

LOOKING FOR: PICTURE BOOKS, MG, YA, ADULT FICTION Clare Wallace joined the Darley Anderson Agency in January 2011 and is building both the Darley Anderson Children’s Agency and the Darley Anderson Illustration Agency lists as well as taking on adult fiction for debut authors. Clare is particularly looking for funny chapter books for younger readers at the moment, as well as contemporary MG, YA fantasy, romance, and rom coms, especially with underrepresented protagonists. For picture books she has the widest taste, from daft to lyrical, rhyming to prose. As well as being busy with the children’s and illustration agencies, Clare is open to debut adult fiction submissions that could be described as book club, rom-com, romance, saga, reading group, fantasy or historical fiction. She often doesn’t know what she’s looking for until she finds it (although she is not the person for steampunk or space opera). She represents picture books, middle-grade, teenage and YA and debut adult fiction. The clients Clare represents include Perdita & Honor Cargill, Caroline Crowe, Tom Ellen, Martyn Ford, Stewart Foster, Olivia Hope, A M Howell, Polly Ho-Yen, Rachel Ip, Beth Reekles, J.P. Rose, Lindsay Galvin, Dave Rudden, Deirdre Sullivan and Efua Traoré. Whatever the age range, Clare loves a big hook, a lot of heart, and a standout voice. She loves to discover memorable new characters, bold and unique voices, strong concepts and gripping storytelling. This list gives a good indication of Clare's taste but if your submission doesn’t fit a description here, it doesn’t mean Clare doesn’t want to receive it. Clare would like you to send a covering letter, a one page synopsis and the first three chapters (Max 5000 words) of your manuscript in a single word document. For picture books, please submit a covering letter and up to three completed texts. Please send EITHER picture books OR another genre, not both in one submission. (In addition to the paid sessions, Clare is kindly offering one free session for low income/underrepresented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print).  By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Friday 5th September 2025 by 12 noon UK BST

LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION, YA THRILLER Saskia Leach is a Junior Literary Agent at Kate Nash Literary Agency, where she has been working since 2021. She loves stories that features complex and dynamic characters and is fascinated by books containing document inserts or written from multiple perspectives. Saskia represents fiction for adults and young adults in the genres of crime, thriller, romance, historical/saga, horror, speculative and bookclub. She does not represent literary fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, non-fiction, action/adventure thrillers, non-fiction, picture books or chapter books for children younger than middle grade. Saskia is particularly looking for LGBTQIA+ romance, high concept psychological thriller with a unique hook or set in an unusual location, and bookclub fiction revolving around a moral dilemma - but she is open to reading submissions in all genres she represents. She is keen to hear from writers from underrepresented voices and perspectives. Saskia would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 page synopsis and the first 5,000 words of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Saskia is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print).  By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice given in your Agent121. The submission deadline is: Friday 5th September 2025 at 12 noon UK BST

Registration starts at 7:30 AM. The training will begin promptly at 8:00 AM. Please plan your arrival accordingly to ensure you don't miss any important information. Reduce Emissions, Save Costs, Earn a CPC Hours, and Ensure Full Compliance Topics Covered: FORS Lo-CITY Driver Training (3.5 hours): • Relationship between driving style, fuel consumption, and environmental impact • Benefits of regular vehicle maintenance and checks • Fuel-efficient driving techniques • Utilising in-vehicle technology for fuel economy • Benefits of journey planning • Alternative fuels for commercial vehicles Highway Code Training Content: Course introduction, objectives, and expectations. Introduction to the Highway Code and its relevance. Types of road users and training for various groups. Respecting and understanding the risks to different road user categories. Confirmation of knowledge quizzes covering all aspects of the Highway Code and traffic regulations. Course Details: Format: Remote Session (7 hours) CPC Hours: Yes Cost: £89.50 - Includes course fee, Driver CPC Upload fee, VAT This award-winning program (awarded the prestigious Education in Transport award at the 2017 National Courier Awards) is perfect for any fleet operator looking to: Meet FORS Gold accreditation requirements. Improve driver performance and fuel efficiency. Reduce their environmental footprint. Enhance corporate social responsibility. Please note that this course is delivered online and provides 7 hours of Driver CPC training. Ready to get started? Book online or feel free to contact our training department at training@totalcompliance.co.uk or call 0345 9001312 to register for this valuable course. Please review our Terms and Conditions for more information.