A former newspaper editor and award-winning journalist has taken the reins as president of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce.
Gary Phelps, who grew up in the town and went on to become the editor of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Observer, was named as the Chamber’s new president at the AGM at Moor Hall Hotel & Spa.
A new vice-president was also appointed at the AGM, with customer experience expert Shaun Cremins of insight6 joining fellow vice-president, CUDOS Creative agency founder Kate Curry.
Gary Phelps has worked in the media for more than 30 years and has edited nine newspapers including the Tamworth Herald, Royal Sutton Coldfield Observer, Lichfield Mercury and Nuneaton News.
He runs Gary Phelps Communications, a media consultancy specialising in education, charity, industry and public affairs.
Gary ran comms on former West Midlands mayor Andy Street's election campaigns and is also editor-in-chief of ASHES Magazine - a bi-annual transglobal publication serving the worldwide ashes sector.
Gary, who succeeds outgoing president Naeem Arif, said: “While Sutton is a great place to do business, firms here are facing the same challenges found elsewhere – from rising costs and skills gaps to the impact of online commerce. No business is immune to these challenges.
“That’s why the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce is so valuable to the business community.
“I want to thank outgoing president Naeem Arif for an inspirational two years in office, which has seen the Chamber go from strength to strength.
“As I follow Naeem, my ambition is to raise the profile of the Chamber even higher, to attract more members – and ensure local businesses work together to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.”
Naeem Arif, who becomes honorary chair following his two-year term as president, said: “As I complete my two-year term as president, I do so with a mix of pride and gratitude. These have been testing times for many in business.
“Yet those of us still here continue to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and determination. That alone is worth celebrating."
The Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber also welcomed two new committee members: Charlotte Edwards from Edwards & Gray Estate Agents, and Gurmeet Singla from Ficode Technologies.
Dan Sinton from BPG Gracechurch and Anita Ellis, founder of copywriting agency Lexicomm, were thanked at the AGM after completing their terms on the committee.
