Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.
Join the GBCC today to become part of a vibrant community of forward thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
We’re in business, for business. As a private sector not-for-profit, our mission, vision & values are at the heart of what we do, why and how we do it.
We are on a mission to Connect, Support & Grow local businesses.
We do it because we care about the people and places that we represent. We believe that thriving businesses are the core of a vibrant community. Our ultimate vision and purpose is to make Greater Birmingham the best place to work and do business.
Our values reflect who we are and what we stand for; shaping our work ethic, defining our organisational culture and guiding our interactions with everyone we engage with.
We support each other, our members and customers with enthusiasm. We create an inclusive and respectful environment that empowers diverse backgrounds and personalities to thrive.
We are problem solvers, continually learning and adapting. We take an interest in the work of our members, colleagues and partners and the wider world around us, we seek out opportunities to collaborate and improve.
We are dynamic, focused on delivering results and making a positive impact for our members, colleagues, customers and partners. We connect business communities and drive collective success.
We are committed to forging equal relationships based on integrity, professionalism and honesty. Our long heritage and the expertise of our team make us a trusted partner for businesses, charities and public sector alike.
Greg worked in the law for 41 years before retiring in April 2023. For the last 32 years he had been a partner at Pinsent Masons and was the head of it Birmingham Office for the last 21 years. Pinsent Masons is a Patron of GBCC.
Greg became a non-executive director of GBCC in 2007; was President in 2014 - 2016 and was appointed Chair in 2022.
Greg is a non-executive director of GBCC member, Pertemps, the largest independent UK recruitment company.
Greg has been the Under Sheriff of the West Midlands since 2014.
Previous positions held by Greg include:
• Trustee of Midlands Arts Centre (mac) 2006 – 2021
• CBI West Midlands Council Member 2004 – 2020
• CBI West Midlands Council Chair 2020 – 2022
• Wesleyan Assurance Advisory Board Member 2008 – 2019
• Trustee of Cure Leukaemia 2014 – 2019
• Trustee of The Birmingham Repertory Theatre 2014 - 2020
Mike has worked in the packaging manufacturing industry for over 30 years and has held roles at Senior European Leadership Team level as well as in Plant Management, Operations and Finance. He has developed effective teams delivering results within the corporate, private equity owned and family run business sectors. He is passionate about people development, innovative technologies, continuous process improvement and the synergies between sustainability and paper-based packaging. Mike holds an MA (Hons) Degree in Economics from Edinburgh University. He also sits on the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Council.
Henrietta Brealey, CEO, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
The GBCC exists to Connect, Support & Grow local businesses. It is a mid-sized not for profit business membership and support organisation that has been in business, for business, since 1813. It delivers support and services aimed at helping local firms go global. Henrietta became CEO in 2021 at age 30, making her the youngest CEO in the organisation’s 210 year history. She is a vocal advocate for Greater Birmingham’s businesses, representing Chamber members’ interests through a range of regional and local stakeholder boards and groups.
Prior to becoming CEO, she was Director of Policy & Strategic Relationships leading the GBCC’s research, campaigns and support activity, including on preparing for, and the impact of, the end of the Brexit transition period. She is a governor and honorary fellow of University College Birmingham. She was named Birmingham Live’s Young Business Leader of the Year at their 2022 Business Awards and Young Leader of the Year at Business Desk’s West Midlands Leadership Awards 2023. "
Amardeep is a Partner at international law firm Trowers & Hamlins.
He is the firm's National Head of Public Sector and advises all parts of government and businesses on transformation or business critical projects.
He is nationally ranked as an expert in his chosen field (Chambers UK) and has also been recognised for his market-leading expertise by legal research experts, Acritas, who have designated him as an 'Acritas star'.
Amardeep has extensive experience across a range of sectors including digital technology, leisure, transport, health, education, outsourcing, regeneration and aviation.
Charlie has had a 40-year career is defence, aerospace and technology where security has been at the heart of every business and role. Charlie also has a great track record in delivering business and cultural change programmes and is ideally placed to offer expertise in developing and implementing business security transformation, putting cyber and information security in the DNA of your business.
Charlie is a cyber board advisor and has developed and implemented cyber security strategies and implementation plans across several sectors, having worked in classified high-security list-ex business environments.
Charlie's focus for the future is helping organisations build a security-first culture where security is not just the concern of the IT team but a part of everyone's DNA.’"
Karl George MBE is a thought leader, author and internationally established consultant in governance.
Karl is a visiting professor, holds a honorary doctorate and is a Partner and head of Governance at the leading professional services firm RSM. Creator of The tgf Governance Code, The RACE Equality Code and the Effective Board Member Programmes. He works with boards and senior executives in the private, public and voluntary sectors and has over twenty five years’ combined experience in accountancy, business and strategic development.
Karl is a qualified accountant and Fellow of the global international body for governance practitioners CGI: The Chartered Governance Institute. He has developed a unique governance framework and quality mark that was endorsed by the late Sir Adrian Cadbury.
Karl’s latest book Governance 3.0 provides an international perspective on modern governance and amongst his other books, The Effective Board Member talks about whatever every board member should know. He is married and has three boys.
Raj Kandola is the Director of External Affairs at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce tasked with covering the organisation’s research, campaigning, stakeholder engagement and media & communications activity. Specific policy areas of focus include transport & infrastructure, international trade, education and environmental policy. In addition, he is responsible for managing the organisation’s Patronage scheme and the GBCC’s media and news content operations, including external media engagement and production of the organisation’s print and online news material
Prior to joining the Chamber in 2016, Raj worked in Communications for a former Shadow Minister and spent eight years in London recruiting staff across the financial services industry.
Ruth has 25 years’ experience in marketing and communications, having worked in-house for the Home Office and in-agency before setting up her own business, Rewired, in 2008. Specialising in communications strategy, crisis communications and stakeholder management, she has extensive cross-sector experience working with a wide range of high profile brands from start-ups to multinationals.
We understand that every business is unique, which is why we’ve tailored our services to cater to the specific needs of businesses. Whether you’re a small start-up or an established enterprise, our offerings span six regions and four themed divisions, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Patronage membership offers prestigious opportunities to connect with some of the most influential figures in Greater Birmingham. Access exclusive benefits that enhances your brand's presence and open the door to remarkable opportunities.
Representatives across the business-world dedicated to the Chamber’s vision and purpose.
Join a talented pool of individuals striving to support a thriving business community.
