It is an area within the Ladywood ward and is flanked by Westside, Hockley, the Jewellery Quarter, the Retail Quarter and Newtown.

The Business Quarter, together with the Retail Quarter, is the core city centre of Birmingham.

It was urbanised in the late 18th century and substantially redeveloped in the 1870's; it is accordingly characterised by monumental Victorian architecture.

The Business Quarter contains Victoria Square, Chamberlain Square, the Town Hall, the Council House, Snow Hill Station, Colmore Row, St Phillips CE Cathedral and St Chad's RC Cathedral.