Amanda Holden - Partner, The Wilkes Partnership
I am a partner and Head of Residential Conveyancing at The Wilkes Partnership Solicitors. As a firm we have been involved with the Chamber of Commerce for many years. I have been a member of the Solihull Executive Committee for 3 years. I love being part of a team of different professionals who work across different sectors and have learnt a lot about the work of the Chamber regionally as well as locally. I support the Chamber’s networking events and encourage my colleagues to do the same. More recently being part of the Work Inspiration Group within the executive committee has been an opportunity to connect with more local businesses. Being a member of the executive committee has enabled me to be involved in initiatives like this and I would like to continue to be an active member of the executive committee.
Becci Fox - CEO, Solihull Moors Foundation
I have work in the charity and community sector for 20 years and bring a wealth of experience in project management, bid writing and partnership working within Solihull borough. My passion is people and ensuring that they have everything they need to succeed in life and can break down the barriers they come across. Solihull Moors Foundation is only a couple of years old but will build upon the positive legacy already actioned by community moors. We were reaching 1000’s of local people each year, pre-pandemic, and over the course of the last 18 months, have pivoted to ensure we continue to provide vulnerable community members in Solihull with the support they need.
Dayna Winter - Owner, brew twenty three
I am a born bred Silhillian, I am that person who went to school in Solihull, college in Solihull, (ventured abroad for University), moved back to Solihull, worked for Solihull BID and now have a business in Solihull. I believe I will add value to the committee by bringing energy, understanding and knowledge of Solihull. I have recently opened my second business in the town centre so on top of being a proud resident of Solihull, I am also a proud business owner in Solihull.
Emma Hewitt - Head of Employment, Sydney Mitchell
Since 2018 I have worked at Sydney Mitchell LLP, heading up their employment team providing support and guidance to both businesses and individuals in the minefield that is employment law. I am an active networker within Solihull, not only on a business level, but also on a personal being part of a wider community of people and supporting local businesses, which really excites me. Relationships are really important to me, and I thrive on that. If I can help I will. I have been part of the Chamber for 13 years. For the last 3 years I have sat on the Solihull Chamber Executive Committee, helping to drive change, promote engagement, encouraging work inspiration amongst businesses for the next generation, as well as supporting both the Chamber and its members.
Erica Burke - Director, HR Dept Solihull
I have been a Solihull resident for over 16 years and a small business owner for 20 years; the last three and a half years of which as the owner of HR Dept Solihull. I also have extensive experience of sitting on Committees, working with Boards and advising senior business leaders. ability to be a critical friend offering independent and objective perspectives. I listen, I generate ideas and I respect other people’s perspectives. I know the commitment it takes to make a difference, and I give up my time, my expertise and my money to do so. As a Chamber member I have always been active both visibly but also privately promoting the great work that it does for small business owners. I live, work, network, socialise, and shop in Solihull
Fi Harrison - Head of Fundraising and Communications, Birmingham Dogs Home
I started my career with Save the Children in London and thoroughly enjoyed developing my fundraising and marketing skills with national charities for over a decade. My husband and I established an independent sports TV production company together, which gave us the opportunity to work at high-profile sports events around the world. We relocated the business to Solihull in 2000. The company continues to thrive and províde skilled local employment. I returned to my passion for fundraising in the charity sector after starting my family and worked as a consultant, advising charities on income generation strategies for over a decade. I joined Birmingham Dogs Home as Head of Fundraising & Communications in 2020 where I have combined my skills and passion for animal welfare, to transform the charity's fundraising and communications to build sustainable income streams to underpin future development plans. I have brought my family up in Solihull and have been a Scout leader and Chair of my son's school PTA and continue to be an active parent volunteer at his High School. I am a member of the Chartered lnstitute of Fundraising Committee in the West Midlands. For fun - dog walking and yoga (my 10Ks are behind me)!
Gywneth Box - Director, Tantamount
A creative agency director with over two decades’ international experience developing brand and rich-media solutions. We value networking, collaboration and connection, and have just transferred our membership to Solihull Chamber so I can take a more active role. I already attend many Solihull events, which I’ve found to have a friendly “local community” feel. Although Tantamount have created internal campaigns for international clients such as WHO and SHL, and designed identities for national organisations such as DSUK and NDSPG, we have a strong sense of community responsibility. We’ve worked with many local charities and third-sector organisations, providing professional design services at accessible prices, as well as offering pro bono expertise on occasions. My personal skill set is in the world of words: I’m a best-selling children’s author and award-winning poet, a seasoned speaker and workshop leader.
Ian Rogers - Founder, Solihull Summer Fest
Ian Rogers is the founder of Solihull Summer Fest. Solihull’s very own music festival. The event generates over £4 million spend into the local economy and is building in reputation year on year. A passionate advocate, he exerts time, energy and enthusiasm into profiling the borough. He's a key stakeholder and advisor to the Solihull Tourism Board. An independent business owner for over 20 years, Ian has worked with many venues and businesses in Solihull, and in 2022 launched three new projects: The Forbidden Circus, Pairc Festival and Shirley Social. During his first term on the Solihull Chamber Executive Committee, Ian and Jas Rohel created the Solihull Secret Supper Club. A multi venue dining experience, visiting restaurants with tantalising cuisine from around the world. The concept assists the hospitality industry whilst raising money for the Solihull Chamber chosen charity.
Jas Rohel - Founder and CEO of Education Awards, Director of Partnerships/ Presenter of On Your Radio Solihull
Jas Rohel is the Founder and CEO of the Education Awards, an annual event recognising the unsung heroes in education by celebrating both the people and establishments making incredible contributions to the sector. Jas works with numerous event sponsors to develop and implement projects in education that directly contribute back into the outstanding work of teachers and educational organisations. Jas also runs a local Solihull Radio station called “On Your Radio- Solihull”. She is radio presenter for “The Education Show” and “Talking Business” and “The Hospitality Show” on the radio. On air, she discusses a vast amount of business, hospitality and education topics where she interviews key leaders from across the industry.
Kevin Johns - Managing Director, Prime Accountants
Kevin takes an active interest in the development and growth of the business community within Solihull, and has been on the executive committee for 10 years including 2 years as President and 2 as Vice President. Kevin is Chairman of Solihull BID and was awarded a British Empire Medal in 2019 for his services to Solihull. His diverse portfolio of clients has enabled him to develop an understanding of the various needs within the business community, which allows him to bring forward the views of many business leaders to ensure they are heard. As a mature business owner, Kevin is dedicated to ensuring the local business community goes from strength to strength. With the commitment he has shown to the Chamber previously, Kevin would be honoured to continue playing such an important role on the committee.
Kim Hulse – Visit Knowle
Kim has over twenty five years of marketing experience. For the last 10 years she has worked with independent retailers and small businesses as a consultant focusing on defining the customer offer and developing trading & marketing strategies. Working with small businesses on growth plans, Kim offers a sounding board, ideas, and action plans for businesses. Kim has been part of the Visit Knowle team since it founded, leading the marketing strategy and liaising with local businesses. Working with volunteers she’s delivered projects including marketing campaigns, a Jubilee Event, Late Night Shopping and launched a website. Kim has worked with local stakeholders to deliver “support local” campaigns, to raise the profile of Knowle and its businesses and as such is an advocate for supporting local businesses. Kim is an active member of the Chamber, serving as a co-opted member of the Executive Council for the last 12 months.
Lara Day - Business Development Manager, Severn Trent Connect
My current role with Severn Trent Connect part of Severn Trent PLC as Business Development & Marketing Manager, Skilled in wastewater solutions to help unlock developments in England & Wales, project management, negotiation, bid writing, business planning, strong sales professional, event management, new & business growth specialist , plus digital strategy, PR & marketing my strengths. With a passion to connect and grow businesses in all the roles I have been so fortunate to be part off and the good fortune to work for GBCC for some 3 most rewarding years. With a strong understanding in Mental Health Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the workplace with qualifications also in Design & Marketing, plus supporting Women In Planning Midlands, Staffordshire Chamber Board of Governance LSIP, Construction Excellence Coventry & Warwickshire I feel I can help support in many areas for Solihull Chamber and its members.
Louise Dunn - Co-Founder and Company Director, The Recruitment Duo
Louise has built up an extensive network of candidates and clients during this time, and is synonymous with delivering results and providing a quality professional service. She has a natural ability to engage, and listens enthusiastically to peoples needs, in order to make the right match. Historically, she has successfully managed temporary desks managing up to 80 temporary workers, with her seamless and robust account management skills to ensure smooth delivery of day to day activities. Since co-founding The Recruitment Duo in October 2021 she has imparted valuable market knowledge, and guided 25 businesses to successfully recruit and retain talent for 91 permanent positions in a post pandemic market. She has honed a wealth of knowledge regarding businesses in the Solihull and surrounding area, and her expertise is regularly called upon by businesses particularly in the IT/Telecomms, Education, Property/Housing, Engineering, Fleet and Professional Services industry sectors.
Pauline Clarke - Senior Business and Communities Fundraiser, St Basils
Pauline Clarke is the Senior Corporate & Communities Fundraiser for St Basils, the largest Youth Homeless Charity in the West Midlands with accommodation projects and a Drop-in’ centre in the Solihull Borough. The Charity have been members of the Chamber for over ten years and Pauline an executive committee member since 2021. A creative Business Development Manager, Pauline has extensive experience within the Leisure and Hospitality Industry, having worked for Merlin Group and at Bear Grylls Adventure at the NEC and knows how vital it is to drive and develop connections within the region. Previously to this, as the owner of a successful company, Pauline can emphasise with the challenges faced by business owners in the current climate. Her role allows her to develop strong and purposeful relationships with a variety of employment and educational sectors, delivering workshops in schools, colleges and universities in the area.
Rebecca Gater - Principal, Solihull College and University Centre
I started working in the further education sector as an hourly paid lecturer in Business and Management and I have over 20 years' experience in the sector, including as a part time inspector with Ofsted. I achieved a Doctorate in Education in 2022 for my research n Senior leadership. A significant element of the college's new Strategic Plan, which takes us to the end of 2025, is to further develop and strengthen links with employers, in particular supporting them to navigate through the confusing current educational reform to get the best training for their business. As a Chamber patron, the college is well placed to support local businesses and the local community to develop and enhance their skills, to support Solihull to be as productive and prosperous as it possibly can be. Having a seat on the executive committee will help to solidify the link between education, community, and business, facilitating the building of a talent pipeline which will secure future success for businesses and the community alike.
Steven Whitmarsh - Managing Director, runyourfleet
After attending Arden School, he undertook an apprenticeship with Land Rover, where he later became their youngest ever production manager at the age of 22. Steve then had a successful career in fleet sales and fleet management for Rover Group, Volvo Car UK and the RAC before securing venture funding from local private equity business Forward Group, when he founded Multifleet Vehicle Management Ltd in 2011. Multifleet trades as runyourfleet and is based in Henley In Arden.
After 12 years, runyourfleet now manages over 31,000 vehicles for 1,200 businesses across the UK, is set to turnover £15m in the current financial year and employs a team of 35. The business has seen exponential growth in the last 4 years, and keenly supports both the Solihull and wider Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, as well as local charities and community projects.
Vanessa Healey- Gwilliam - Sales and Apprenticeship Consultant Lead, Mercuri International
Offering vast sales experience within a variety of industries I have focused my knowledge and passion into training, focusing primarily on apprenticeship provision, offering support and knowledge to businesses requiring guidance and advice within a diverse range of sectors, I have designed and delivered bespoke commercial training. Offering experience in tendering, bids, supporting government provision with numerous councils and blue-chip companies, Unilever, Royal Mail, VPPLC, St Modwen, Pearson. With a passion for lifelong learning, I gained a BSc from Warwick University. I network with local and national businesses, speak to learners, encouraging engagement and employment through funded apprenticeship provision. Currently lead the Sales team in the UK for a Global Training provider, delivering apprenticeships nationally, based in Solihull.
