AN expo to showcase the best of Birmingham design to the world is set to be more stylish and cool than James Bond himself, according to Aston Martin’s design guru.

Marek Reichman, director of design for Aston Martin - the car of choice for superspy 007 - made his comments after Birmingham City University’s business think-tank IDEA Birmingham appointed him chairman of its 2013 design expo.

The 2013 showcase will feature giant interactive projections, breakout catwalk shows, drift car racing, a display of regional products and a surprise product launch.

Launched last year, IDEA Birmingham brings together influential business leaders to promote brands and products using the campaign theme, Birmingham Made Me, the Original Design City.

Mr Reichman will chair the Birmingham Made Me 2013 Design Expo, to be launched in June with the mission of putting Birmingham and the Midlands on the map.

“I’m looking forward to working with other parties and promoting a compelling message about the strength and depth of Birmingham and the Midlands in producing world-class, quality brands,” he said.

“Aston Martin is just one of the many successful brands to emerge from the region, all of whom are extremely popular with consumers worldwide. Last year the Midlands was the UK’s second largest exporter after the South East.

“We need to publicise our design and innovation achievements and to harness the power of our Midlands brands to promote a clear message and unique position for our great gateway city of Birmingham.”

This year’s Birmingham Made Me Design Expo will be held at Birmingham City University’s Millennium Point campus from June 6 to 21, culminating in an awards ceremony celebrating emerging and established brand-led design talent from across the Midlands.

The expo will include a showcase of graduate degree shows, exhibits, talent showcases and fashion shows and include business, innovation and design speakers with a focus on kick-starting growth through world-beating design.

During Mr Reichman’s tenure as Aston Martin’s director of design new model introductions have included the Rapidea four-door, high performance coupé, the DBS, which featured in the 22nd James Bond film Quantum of Solace, and Aston Martin’s new One-77.