Joseph Chamberlain (1869-1940), father of Neville, introduced civic improvements during his time as mayor and in 1911 the city's boundaries were enlarged to make it the second largest in England.

Unfortunately WWII bombs destroyed much of Chamberlain's good work and in the 60s and 70s attractive buildings were replaced by some of the eyesores for which contemporary Birmingham is known. The ugly Bull Ring Shopping Centre, high-rise monstrosities and a mass of ring roads - meeting at the infamous 'Spaghetti Junction' - have a lot to answer for in terms of the city's reputation. Possibly the only thing of beauty to be created in the second half of the 20th century was the Mini at Longbridge in 1959 (although the balti curry comes a close second).

The 21st century sees a Birmingham whose industries are at the mercy of a strong British pound and faltering foreign investment. It's still a successful conference city, with the NEC (National Exhibition Centre), ICC (International Convention Centre) and NIA (National Indoor Arena) continuing to host high profile events. The city even put in a bid to host the national stadium but lost out to Wembley.

Birmingham refuses to be beaten. New construction work continues apace and multi-million-pound regeneration schemes are giving the city a much-needed make over. Meanwhile, clubbers give the nightlife a thumbs-up and the cultural scene is undeniably happening. It may still be overshadowed by cities like Manchester and of course the capital, but Birmingham is determined to compete. Watch this space.