Digbeth Design Centre Launch!

On the 9th October 2025, we were delighted to welcome over 400 members of the Construction Sector to celebrate the opening of our new Digbeth Design Centre in the heart of Historic Digbeth in Birmingham.

As part of our commitment to providing exceptional levels of service, we have created this centre, in partnership with Howells, to explore materials that are used in the sector. As Glenn Howells, Founding Partner of Howells, said at our launch “A true understanding of Architecture comes from an understanding of materials.”

We heard from Prof Carl Chinn MBE, Social Historian, around the fascinating history of the Digbeth area at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, and the building itself. John Parker, Chairman of EH Smith, went on to talk about the history of the company and how intertwined it was with this area – our first yard being opened in the 1920’s less than a mile away.

Glenn Howells continued by talking about the importance of this collaboration for the sector in Birmingham and the wider UK, to provide a unique space to come together and explore materials. John Cave, Executive Director of EH Smith, went on to talk about the future vision of the centre and thank those who have brought this piece of Birmingham History back to life.

Bostin Brass, made famous by playing at Ozzy Ozbourne’s funeral procession through the city, then played a memorable set of contemporary hits with a distinctly Brummie twist! Contact digbeth@ehsmith.co.uk if you would like to come and explore