Vice President
Dr Rebecca Gater,
Principaland Chief Executive, Solihull College & University Centre
Rebecca Gater, serving as Principal and Chief Executive of Solihull College and University Centre, holds a pivotal position within the Solihull borough, dedicated to enhancing residents' lives and bolstering economic prosperity. Since 2016, she has been a senior leader at the college, assuming her current role in 2022. With a Doctorate in Senior Leadership and 25 years in Further Education to date, including 18 years in leadership and management, Rebecca brings extensive experience to her position. Her focus lies in strengthening local businesses through targeted training and skills initiatives, addressing skills gaps, and nurturing talent pipelines to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Rebecca's leadership is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, both shaping the educational landscape and fostering a vibrant local economy. Beyond education, she actively participates in the Solihull Chamber of Commerce's Executive Committee, further showcasing her commitment to excellence. Notably, Solihull College and University Centre stands as one of the largest employers in Solihull, further emphasising its integral role in the community's economic fabric. As a patron and headline sponsor of the Annual Awards, Rebecca ensures the college remains deeply intertwined with local business development and prosperity, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of the community.
Kim Hulse, Director, K Hulse Consultingand Co-Founder of Visit Knowle
Kim has twenty five years of experience of product management and marketing. For the last ten years she has worked with independent retailers and small businesses as a consultant focusing on defining the customer offer, mapping the customer journey and developing trading & marketing strategies. Working with small businesses on growth plans and new projects, Kim offers a sounding board, creative ideas and action plans for businesses.
Kim has been part of the Visit Knowle team since it founded in 2019, leading the marketing strategy and liaising with local businesses. Working with volunteers from the community and Knowle businesses she’s delivered projects including marketing Visit Knowle, Late Night Shopping, a new website and even knitted hanging baskets. Kim has worked with local stakeholders to deliver “support local” campaigns, to raise the profile of Knowle and its businesses and as such is a strong advocate for supporting local businesses and local places. In 2023 Kim joined Visit Solihull’s Tourism Steering Group.
Local to Solihull, Kim is an active member of the Chamber and enjoys meeting local businesses. Having worked closely with independent businesses across retail, hospitality, and beauty she is aware of the challenges and opportunities local businesses face.
Kevin Johns, Director, Prime Accountants
Kevin Johns is a Managing Director and shareholder of Prime Accountants Group, one of the largest independent firms of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers in the West Midlands.
Kevin led the group to win the Solihull Chamber Business of the Year Award in 2023 as well as the Contribution to the Community Award. He leads the business not only for the good of his team and clients but the greater community at large.
Kevin takes an active interest in the development and growth of the business community within Solihull, and has been on the Executive Committee at the Chamber for 12 years including 2 years as President. Kevin is Chairman of Solihull BID and was awarded a British Empire Medal in 2019 for his services to Solihull.
Kevin has already taken on a mentoring role to support one of the Chambers’ Future Faces members and wishes to increase his support to the next generation of business leaders. He sees the role of VP as a position from which he will be able to offer greater support to the current President and the future President Elect.
For over 30 years, Kevin has worked with a wide variety of businesses, from owner managed to multi million-pound turnover businesses. 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.
Ian Rogers, Founder, Solihull Summer Fest
Ian Rogers, the creative force behind Solihull Summer Fest and Pairc Festival, has redefined event promotion with a string of accolades. Solihull Summer Fest earned him the "Best Independent Business" title at the Solihull BID Excellence Awards 2022, while the 2024 Street Cred Magazine Awards honored him with the prestigious "Event Promoter Legacy Award."
Ian's commitment to Solihull is unparalleled. As a passionate advocate, he invests time, energy, and enthusiasm to showcase the borough's charm. A key stakeholder in The Solihull Tourism Steering Committee, Ian contributes significantly to the region's growth.
His projects extend beyond Solihull Summer Fest, including The Forbidden Circus a groundbreaking Immersive Horror Attraction drawing 8199 visitors to the borough, and Pairc Festival, Officially The UK’s Largest Irish Music Festival. Ian's community-oriented initiatives, like Shirley Social, bring people together in green spaces, fostering awareness of local businesses.
In influential roles such as Production & Event Consultant for Birmingham Pride, Event Consultant for Midlands Air AmbulanceBike 4 Life Festival, and now a Worldwide Entertainment Supplier for Hilton Group, Ian Rogers continues to shape the local entertainment scene with his innovative and inclusive approach.
Executive Committee
Susie Ankrett, Director, Plum Executive
After more than 21-years as Director and founder of Plum Personnel, a staffing and employment company based in Solihull town centre, in 2022 Susie Ankrett founded Plum Executive a specialist recruitment consultancy.
Susie now provides strategic recruitment advice and guidance to organisations that want to be the best at attracting and retaining talent using her expertise and knowledge.
Previously she was a Lecturer and Manager at the Solihull College and University Centre for nearly 2decades where her passion and belief in lifelong learning was ignited.
She is a member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and a member of the Board of their Advisory Council.
More recently she has taken on the role of Chair of Solihull MBC’s Forum for Supported Internships working with key stakeholders across the Borough with the goal of creating routes that will support more young SEND individuals into paid employment.
Amongst her greatest achievements Susie is particularly proud of leading Plum Personnel to become the first recruitment company in the UK to achieve ‘Diversity Assured’ status. She is also very honoured to appear in Hansard after suggesting a Bill to her local MP which would extend the rights of parents for flexible working. This was presented and read in Parliament.
Susie truly believes that learning and jobs transform lives – and this inspires her to try to make a difference in the work she does. A member of the Solihull Chamber since 2001, she is currently one of the Vice-Presidents and is keen to continue in a supportive and active role as a member of the Executive Committee.
Erica Burke, Director, HR Dept Solihull
For the last year, I have been a proud and committed member of the Solihull Chamber Executive Committee, to support the work of the Chamber. This involves finding ways to improve the member experience and supporting in the community. I want to continue making a difference and willingly give my time and expertise to do so.
I have had a real taste for the role and there is so much more that I’d like to get involved with as part of the Executive Committee championing the work that the Chamber does for small business owners. I have been a small business owner for over 20 years; the last four and a half years of which as the owner of HR Dept Solihull. Aside from my warm personality, one of my strengths is the ability to be a critical friend offering independent and objective perspectives. I listen, I generate ideas and I respect other people’s perspectives.
I live, work, network, socialise, and shop in Solihull. I have a vested interest in ensuring local businesses thrive and that Solihull grows new talent that is re-invested into the local economy.
Andy Cole, Director for Property, Partnerships and Media, The NEC Group
Andy has been Director of Partnerships, Media and Property for the NEC Group since 2018, the UK’s leading live events business with over 750 large scale events per year across the UK’s largest exhibition venue, two arenas (soon to be three) and the Birmingham ICC. Before that Andy had a background of twenty years in hotel management and six years managing one of the UK’s premium shopping and leisure destinations. Andy is close to the NEC Masterplan which is part of the UK Central Solihull Hub Area, one of the best connected development zones in Europe.
Andy lives in Solihull and was awarded an MBE in 2016 for services to retail and charity, prior to his move to the NEC where he remains heavily involved in local good causes and business groups such as the Chamber of Commerce.
Louise Dunn - Co-Founder and Company Director, The Recruitment Duo
Louise has built up an extensive network of candidates and clients during her career and is synonymous with delivering results and providing a quality professional service. She has a natural ability to engage, and listens enthusiastically to people’s needs, in order to make the right match.
Since co-founding The Recruitment Duo in October 2021 she has imparted valuable market knowledge, and guided 37 businesses to successfully recruit and retain talent for 168 placements in a post pandemic market. 32% of The Recruitment Duo’s client base are Solihull Chamber members, highlighting the significance and importance of such strong working relationships through their Chamber membership. 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. Louise is an active member of the Solihull Chamber, serving as a co-opted member of the Executive Council for the last 12 months and would now love the opportunity to capitalise on the
impact she has already made to further enhance the Solihull business community in the coming 2 years.
Tony Elvin, General Manager, Touchwood Solihull
Former Solihull Chamber President and General Manager at the award winning Touchwood Shopping Centre in Solihull, Tony has a rich and varied hospitality and leisure background working in and operating health clubs, bars, restaurants, family entertainment centres and hotels. He also runs his own events business, The Wine Events Company, hosting tastings, pop ups, collaborations and dinners across the region.
Tony is an active ambassador for the region. Whilst sitting on the Solihull Chamber Exec Team, he is also Deputy Chair for Solihull BID, Deputy Chair for the Solihull Tourism Steering Group, Head Judge for the Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards, The Birmingham Awards and sits on various boards within the region.
Vijay Jogia, Client Director, Konsileo Trade Credit Insurance
Having spent the last 27 years in banking, the move to Trade Credit Insurance felt natural. The professional skills I have developed and refined means I am excellent at spotting gaps and aiding clients with their Credit Insurance requirements. I pride myself on exceptional customer service, placing my clients at the heart of everything I do.
My experience has allowed me to build strong, longstanding relationships with colleagues, clients, and key business introducers through honesty, integrity, and clear communication.
My role as Vice President of Solihull Chamber of Commerce has enabled me to play a major part in supporting individuals, businesses, and community organisations by understanding their requirements and connecting them to the right people.
It has been a pleasure to have served as Vice President for the last 2 years and I hope to continue to support the chamber and the members as a Executive Committee member.
Dayna Winter, Owner, Brew Twenty Three
My name is Dayna Winter, I am the proud owner of brew twenty three – a multi site independent coffee, smoothie and juice bar. One of my sites is located in the heart of Solihull, whilst the other, in Shirley. I am able to contribute my enthusiasm, passion and entrepreneurial flare to the Solihull Chamber Committee. I have recently sat on the committee as a Co-Opt member, where I learnt the importance of the role and support that being on the Solihull Chamber Executive Committee entails. I hope, after learning over the past year, I will be able to bring my knowledge and understanding to the committee and more. I can bring my experience of running an SME in the hospitality sector to other members, as well as give potential opportunity, guidance and advice to students also interested in the industry or looking to start their own business also.