Published on:

02 July 2024

Updated on:

01 October 2026

Read time:

Lee Parsons

Business Intelligence Director

Birmingham’s commercial property sector has donated thousands of pounds to child bereavement charity, the Ruth Strauss Foundation, following the latest in a series of cricket-themed fundraisers.

17 Not Out was the third annual instalment of an event, jointly hosted by OP and Bespoke Office Space Solutions (“BOSS”), which has raised in excess of £60,000 since it was first held in 2022.

More than 140 guests enjoyed lunch at local restaurant, Asha’s, with a mix of comedy, music and entertainment, headlined by broadcaster and former England captain, David Gower OBE. Other performers included singer-songwriter, Edwina Hayes, and commercial real estate lawyer and comic, Nick Tarlton.

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Each attendee made a donation to the event’s Just Giving page to secure their place, with funds topped up via a charity auction featuring a range of sporting memorabilia.

The ‘Not Out' series was established by OP’s joint managing directors, Gary Tailby and Tina Batham, and business colleague Marcus Hayes, of BOSS, with the number attached to each event denoting each firm’s combined years in business.

Originally conceived as a means of thanking clients, friends and family for their role in supporting both companies, it has quickly become one of the most anticipated events in the region’s commercial property calendar.

Gary Tailby said: “When Tina, Marcus and I first had the idea for what was then 13 Not Out, we hoped we could put on an afternoon of fundraising and entertainment that people would enjoy. Three years on, we’re incredibly proud of what the series has achieved and hugely grateful for everyone who has been a part of it.

“The Ruth Strauss Foundation provides professional emotional support that is positively transforming the lives of people affected by the death of a parent. It’s been a pleasure to work in partnership with the charity in the last three years and to help make a difference.”

The Ruth Strauss Foundation was founded by former England cricket captain, Andrew Strauss, following the death of his wife from an incurable lung cancer. She was 46 years old and mother to two children, then aged 10 and 13.

The charity named in her honour helps to raise awareness of the need for more research and collaboration in the fight against non-smoking lung cancers and assists families facing the loss of a parent with professional emotional support.

Meet the Author

Lee brings deep knowledge to his role as Business Intelligence Director. Building on his successful tenure as Marketing Director, where he led major initiatives including the OP rebrand and built a high-performing team, Lee now drives data-driven decision making across OP. His expertise in analytics and business metrics helps shape strategic direction and measure performance outcomes. Lee's comprehensive understanding of the business, combined with his analytical approach, enables him to provide critical insights that guide company growth and operational excellence.