Sutton Coldfield: Chamber president to take on marathon

Sutton Coldfield Chamber

of Commerce

Contact: Chris Brewerton T: 0845 6036650

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Chamber president to finally take on marathon

The president of Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce is finally set to achieve his goal of running the London Marathon – 18 months later than first planned.

Phil Arkinstall, who is also the CEO of video production firm Ark Media, originally planned to run the marathon last April to mark his 40th birthday. But the 2020 event was cancelled due to the pandemic and the rearranged race in October was only open to professional athletes.

Now Phil is stepping up his training for this year’s marathon, which takes place on Sunday 3 October, when he’ll be raising funds for YMCA Sutton Coldfield.

Phil said: “I was supposed to be doing the marathon to mark my 40th birthday in March 2020. When I actually do it I’ll be well on my way to 42.”

Phil has chosen to run the marathon in aid of YMCA Sutton Coldfield – a charity he has developed close ties with both through the Chamber and his own business.

YMCA Sutton Coldfield – which is the Chamber’s chosen charity for the year provides support to vulnerable and deprived young people in the local community, including the homeless.

Phil added: “I am running on behalf of YMCA Sutton Coldfield to help raise money for their work with homeless people and disability groups.

“I’ve worked with the YMCA for a few years providing video production support including making a documentary about an exchange programme they did in Israel and Palestine. The documentary was nominated for a Midlands Royal Television Society Award.”

Phil is inviting sponsorship and sharing updates via his JustGiving page.

Marathon man: Phil Arkinstall training in Sutton Park

Relaunch of coaching service

A Sutton Coldfield business coach has relaunched a popular service designed to help new businesses thrive.

Clare Whalley (pictured), of Meta4, has worked with fellow Chamber members Darren Langley Web Design and Anita Ellis of Lexicomm to create a new look for her ‘Business in a Box’ product.

‘Business in a Box’ is designed to aid start-up owners in all aspects such as planning, business development and marketing.

Clare, who is a vice-president of Sutton Coldfield Chamber, said: “With the re-launch of ‘Business in a Box,’ I saw this is a clear opportunity to re-fresh the website and content.”

Surge in demand for Town Hall live shows

Box office staff at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall have reported a surge in customer demand for events this autumn in what is being seen as a show of public confidence in the return of live entertainment.

The heritage venue is currently hosting NHS vaccinations and is due to recommence public theatre shows from 3 September, starting with the one-woman comedy show ‘Life Sukhs’ starring Sukh Ojla.

Tickets for the rescheduled internet comedy sensation Gary Powndland, on his second visit to the Upper Clifton Road venue, are already sold out. The ‘Live at the Town Hall’ show on 25 September, featuring comics Russell Kane and Darren Harriott, was already 75 per cent sold within days of launch.

Comedy Parental Podcast favourites ‘Scummy Mummies’, returning for the third time to the Royal Town on 6 October was also set to sell out within days.

Belfry appoint veteran hotel manager

The Belfry Hotel & Resort near Sutton Coldfield has appointed Ed Richardson (pictured) as hotel manager.

Ed has more than 22 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having led teams in luxury hotels and resorts across South East Asia, China, Australasia and the Middle East.

He joins The Belfry from Fairmont St Andrews in Scotland.

The Belfry is renowned for its leisure facilities and golf courses, having previously hosted The Ryder Cup four times – more than any other venue in the world.

Ed is no stranger to high level golf having previously worked at Fairmont St Andrews during the Hero Open 2021, and as part of the team for the Australian PGA Championship and the WGC-HSBC Champions Shanghai, China.

He said: “My ethos is all about the customer journey, making sure that every guest leaves us having had an experience that they won’t forget, something which certainly holds true at The Belfry.

“The demand for staycations is high this year and I am very excited to be working with the team to showcase the world class facilities and service that The Belfry has to offer.”