The 2024 Chamber Council elections are now open, with 21 candidates applying for 11 available places on the Council.
Chamber Council is responsible for steering the work of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce 's Policy team and meets on a quarterly basis to discuss the latest national and regional political developments, vote on priority themes, and engage in constructive dialogue regarding key Chamber Policy campaigns.
Once elected, members can serve up to three consecutive three-year teams. During this time, members will promote the work of the Policy team, attend Chamber events, and share feedback from fellow Chamber members and business contacts at the Chamber Council meetings.
Important Information:
Birmingham division members are eligible to vote for up to 11 candidates. Each Birmingham member organisation may only vote once (for up to 11 candidates). If there are multiple voters from the same organisation, only the first set of votes from that organisation will be counted.
Please click on each candidate's headshot to read their supporting statement which will help inform your voting decision.
Amanda Lowe
My firm, STORY, focuses on telling stories that matter. For me, those stories are about social impact, those that make a difference to our communities and the world around us. STORY focuses almost entirely on supporting businesses based here, with offices here or who are investing in our city. From the British Business Bank and the work it does to fund local entrepreneurs, to the Rigby Group, one of the region's most successful family firms with global operations - and plans to address the city's youth employment challenge.
I have led the PR, comms and reputation management for a number of the city's representative bodies, helping to boost our reputation on the national and international stage. From our inward investment body, Business Birmingham to our promotion as a visitor destination for Visit Birmingham, as well as business and policy groups, such as the GBSLEP.
I am passionate about shouting about Birmingham's greatness, leaning into and addressing the challenges it faces and helping businesses here to grow and create much needed opportunity for our next generation.
Andrew Dawson
I've thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Council supporting the Chamber team, as well as getting the opportunity to contribute to some of the big issues, opportunities and challenges affecting the region.
Curium Solutions are a Patron at the Chamber, so I have the pleasure of working in partnership with Henrietta and her team. We have worked on many joint initiatives and collaborating on the Growth Through People campaigns.
As well as working with many local businesses as customers, we work closely with Acorns Children’s Hospice, where I have recently become an Ambassador for the Business Club.
Curium has been based in Birmingham since it was founded in 2008. We believe that the city offers immense opportunity for everyone in the region, and I would welcome the opportunity to continue to contribute to the Chamber by serving on the Council once more.
I am passionate about the Midlands and both of my children are growing up as proud Brummies. The region must continue to build our successes of the last years, and maintain our positivity and confidence. I also believe that greater collaboration across the East Midlands, where we are also Chamber Patrons, is a big opportunity too if we can partner and champion our cause.
Angelo Cugini
I have been actively involved in supporting the Chamber over the past three years. My account manager Paula Charles very kindly suggested that I put my name forward for consideration.
I strongly believe that the Chamber adds great value both to local companies and to help market Greater Birmingham in a positive way. I'm a passionate advocate of the importance of building the city's brand and I think that my range of experience which includes building a business from scratch, and working with both the Public and Private Sectors in senior management positions can add value and support the Chamber and the team to achieve their objectives going forward.
Anna Bright
I am Chief Executive at Sustainability West Midlands (SWM) based in Birmingham and have worked for the organisation for over 11 years. I work at all levels across the West Midlands; acting as sustainability delivery partner to the West Midlands Combined Authority, supporting local authorities, universities, and the NHS to meet their sustainability objectives, and providing one-to-one support to the businesses. My role requires me to keep abreast of current economic, environmental, and social trends and the challenges and opportunities they present for the Midlands. I hope to bring my passion for business, understanding of local opportunities and challenges, and regional networks and contacts to Chamber Council and look forward to the opportunities associated with the role and in helping to improve the region in which I have lived and worked for all my life. As a proud Brummie it would be an honour to be elected to Chamber Council.
Anthony Tattum
As a dedicated, and seasoned business leader with deep roots in Birmingham, I am passionate about driving positive change within our local business community. My experience as a CEO has equipped me with a robust understanding of the challenges and opportunities businesses face in our city and across the region. I am committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth, ensuring that the Chamber continues to be a vital resource for all its members. My vision is to enhance support for small and medium-sized enterprises, advocate for sustainable business practices, and promote Birmingham as a thriving hub for commerce and innovation.
Beverly Lindsay OBE OD
I would like to be considered for election to the Chamber Council. With over 37 years of experience as a BME business leader and more than 30 years membership in the Chamber, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities our community faces. The Chamber's commitment to supporting Black businesses is a mission I am deeply passionate about, and I believe my extensive experience positions me to make a meaningful contribution to this important work.
Throughout my career, I have held various leadership roles in both local and civic sectors, which have given me a broad understanding of the unique needs and dynamics of our region. I am confident that my insights and dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion will add significant value to the Council's efforts. I am eager to bring my expertise, perspective, and unwavering commitment to the Chamber Council to help drive meaningful progress for our community.
Chris Golby
As Founder of Lumien, I bring a deep understanding of the Birmingham business landscape and a passion for policy that drives growth. My active involvement in Chamber policy events, including roundtables with the West Midlands Business Commission and contributing to the Health Foundation report at both local (Warwickshire) and national levels, demonstrates my commitment to shaping the future of our region.
My experience in media and communication, coupled with my current focus on the future of work through my podcast and book, equips me to effectively advocate for the Chamber’s policy agenda. I am particularly keen to contribute on issues surrounding people, culture, tech, and AI, ensuring Birmingham remains at the forefront of innovation and inclusive growth.
I am eager to serve as a bridge between the Chamber and the wider business community, promoting constructive dialogue and driving positive change.
Colin Fyfe
I took my role as CEO of Unity Trust Bank in January 2024. We are proud to be headquartered in the City and I intend to continue our support for businesses, charities and organisation who contribute positive social impact to the West Midlands and beyond. Through collaboration with other businesses and sharing our knowledge and skills that can be even more impactful and I would welcome the opportunity to bring this attitude to the Chamber Council.
Businesses need to work together and grow together. The Chamber is one of the key opportunities to achieve this. Businesses in differing sectors and of different shapes and sizes can work together and achieve more than they can on their own.
I have worked in Financial Services throughout my career and I am undertaking my 3rd CEO role and have practical experience of working on many Boards and Committees. I would love to bring this experience and energy to the Chamber Council.
David Abosch
With two decades in business and IT consultancy, I have a proven track record in driving digital transformation and post-merger integration for global corporations. As founder of ReCognition Circular CIC, I've combined my expertise in AI and sustainable technology with a passion for community impact. My work focuses on regenerative and circular business models, equipping the workforce for a net zero economy, and bridging the gap between education and industry. I am eager to leverage this experience to champion responsible technology, address digital inclusion, and foster a circular economy within our local business community.
Eman Al-Hillawi
I came to the University of Birmingham in 1987 to study and fell in love with the city and its people, so established it as my home and location of my business change consultancy, Entec Si.
As a small business, employing people from across the region, I take pride in developing our network and supporting regional anchor institutions. This has included the delivery of multiple projects and programmes for clients such as Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Airport, Aston University, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.
I am an active member of networking and membership organisations, helping me to offer support, keep abreast of local issues and influence policy decisions. We have held memberships with the GBCC including 1813, Future Faces and the 1MM, since 2015. I regularly attend Chamber events and meetings and contribute to the GBCC’s Small Business Academy and annual IWD events.
Emma Stenning
I would love to see Birmingham’s extraordinary cultural sector represented on the Council. Together we make up 54,000 jobs in the area, have a £1.1bn economic footprint, and draw £2.8bn of visitor spend. We are arts organisations, yes, but also serious businesses that need to be part of the collegiate conversation.
The CBSO is internationally recognised, representing the city from our home at Symphony Hall, to the world’s greatest concert halls. We are deeply rooted in our Birmingham community, and care immensely for its future.
I bring the perspective of a culture leader who has worked across music, theatre and festivals. I am a passionate believer in the power of city communities, and a committed collaborator.
I see the Chamber of Commerce as an immense force for good, supporting businesses to work together towards a brighter future. If elected, I would be both proud and honoured to step forward in this way.
Joanna Birch
I have been active in Birmingham for over 30 years, supporting innovation and driving business growth, with specific interest in small and medium sized businesses.
As the previous Director of Innovation and Enterprise at Birmingham City University I have an excellent understanding of the skills and innovation ecosystems, directly contributing to initiatives to support business growth. As Chair of University Alliance I have spent two years working with government and related agencies lobbying on the impact of SMEs in driving UK economic growth. As board director of the GBIOT, Tech WM I have first hand understanding of helping develop strategies and approaches to respond to gaps in ecosystems.
As Chief Innovation Officer of Woodbourne Group I have a strong appreciation of investment and planning in Birmingham, contributing actively to key cornerstones of development including the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter.
I believe as a council member I can bring first hand knowledge of small businesses and the challenges they face whilst appreciating the bigger strategic challenges related to driving growth in places and policy. I can provide insight and access to key players and challenges in respect of skills and innovation - two key ingredients for growth. With first hand knowledge of collaboration at scale and working amongst committees to facilitate progress I can bring a wide array of insight and connections to add value to policy and progress, supporting the chamber in elevating the needs of business and facilitating progress.
As a chamber member I have a vested interest in the Chambers success.
Johnathan Dudley
I have many years experience in supporting and advising businesses across the region and beyond; and also internationally. I have many years successful experience as a partner and in the management of Crowe UK, a leading, independent, owner managed, Group A accounting firm. I'm proud to represent Chartered Accountants in the West Midlands as their elected member of ICAEW Council.
I am an accredited Mindshop Expert, with 25 years service, in a world leading business improvement and coaching network that I use both to advise clients and in my own business. I established and ran a successful professionals network within the chamber movement, securing AWM funds for the purpose. I have conceived, promoted and ran chamber sponsored events across my career. As Crowe's national head of SME Corporates and Head of Manufacturing, I have created and ran a thriving network of manufacturing businesses, complied six years of successive manufacturing surveys, ran events, seminars, factory visits and technical insight events and the recently compiled Manifesto for Manufacturing remains a benchmark with which to measure and challenge the government.
During Covid, I conceived and curated the Covid Funding Flowchart and worked with Government, Chamber, ICAEW and other bodies to get assistance out to business to help them survive and thrive. This i continue to do today with my 'thrival' programme.
I would be proud to bring all off that insight, energy and experience to GBCC Council.
Jun Du
As the Director of the Centre for Business Prosperity at Aston University, I have dedicated my career to advancing our understanding of international trade, productivity and economic policy, with a particular focus on Brexit and its implications for global trade dynamics, including the recent work on Midlands Engine trade challenges. My research has not only contributed to academic scholarship but has also shaped public policy and business strategies, which is regularly featured in leading media outlets.
I have had the privilege of serving on advisory panels such as the British Chamber of Commerce’s Global Britain Challenge Group and the West Midlands Growth Company’s internationalisation strategy steering group. These roles have deepened my commitment to supporting regional economic resilience and fostering strategic collaborations.
I am eager to bring my expertise and leadership to the Birmingham Chamber Council to further contribute to the growth and prosperity of our region. I believe that my experience and passion for economic development align with the Chamber's mission, and I am committed to helping our business community navigate the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly interconnected world.
Matt Jones
You’ll know me best from Oxbridge, the online college. I am also involved in several Birmingham-based businesses, including Spoke Technology (IT and telecoms) and Graide (the World’s first AI-powered exam and assessment platform).
I hold several NED positions and ambassador responsibilities within the third sector. I am vice president of the Association of Distance Learning Colleges (a membership organisation).
I am a current Chamber Council member and believe I have been engaged and reliable over my term. I offer valuable perspectives from the point of view of Skills, Digital, and SMEs, and I represent a broad spectrum of the Chamber’s membership base.
I am an active part of Birmingham’s business community and a proven ambassador and cheerleader for the Chamber. I’m objective, inclusive, approachable and have a reputation for getting results.
Salman Dossa
Why I would like consider myself to be nominated as council member, it’s quite simple. I have been in the field of IT for past 25+ years since I have started entrepreneurial ventures in the field of Website development & Marketing, Travel Agency and now Overseas Business Forum. I’m very active within the community as a volunteer and run my own group for Men call MenTell Health®️. It’s an opportunity to connect and share my experiences.
Sara Blair-Manning
Proud to be born into the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) community, I have 30 years of leadership experience in successfully developing, managing, and improving the performance and assets of businesses and charities in the museum, heritage, and horticultural sectors.
I have worked in the private, public, and independent charitable sectors delivering accountable operations supported by small to large scale capital projects, funded by a range of supporters.
My business plans and strategic direction are underpinned by creative operational strategies focused on high quality visitor experiences and engaging programming across built and natural heritage sites.
I would use my experience, national networks and role as a WM Tourism and Hospitality Advisory Board member to support the Chamber Council and policy.
I would be proud to be an ambassador for the Chambers of Commerce policy, campaigning activities and to raise the profile of Chamber Council amongst the Greater Birmingham business community.
Scott Dalziel
As a proud Midlander, Birmingham holds deep personal significance for me. My passion for contributing to the City's dynamic and diverse community motivates my candidacy for election to the Chamber Council. With over 23 years of professional experience, I am dedicated to shaping policies that benefit our region and its people.
Through my involvement with Davies and our membership to the Insurance Cultural Awareness Network (ICAN), I actively champion cultural diversity, challenge stereotypes, and serve as a thought leader on inclusivity in Birmingham. Additionally, my commitment to supporting local businesses was demonstrated when my company ensured ongoing learner support during the closure of the Birmingham Learning Provider. I am eager to continue advocating for Birmingham’s growth and to further contribute to the city's vibrant, inclusive future by applying my expertise to the Chamber Council. I believe together we can create lasting, positive change for all.
Suzie Branch-Haddow
I would love to be considered for re-election . I joined in 2021 after I led on the merger of BPS Birmingham, Birmingham Future, BYPY into the Chamber and am passionate about ensuring the continued successful joining of forces and using my own journey through Birmingham Future and BYPY to support Future Faces engage and raise the profile of activity across the Birmingham Business Community - it's life-changing for young people
I have also recently become chair of the Skills West Midlands & Warwickshire initiative - a new collaboration of all Further Education providers to build on the recommendations from the Local Skills Improvement Plans and believe this is crucial work to build with all Chamber members and council to ensure we improve our regional skills challenge
I am a proud mum to a 6 year old boy who has complex learning disabilities and this personal journey means I am passionate about ensuring that that I actively challenge all of us to consider the opportunities our businesses have for those with disabilities to develop careers including young people and how we as business leaders can support both women and carers to develop sustainable careers.
Victoria Pargetter-Garner
With a career spanning the HE, public, private, and charity sectors in the region, I have an expansive network and understanding of ‘business’ in the city.
I am hugely passionate about improving economic outputs for Birmingham, improving the lives of its residents, and creating a positive reputation for the city. I believe that the Council could be a catalyst for that ambition.
I can add value to the Council through intel from my networks (organisations of all shapes and sizes and across a variety of sectors in the City), as well as offering my energy and dedication to making Birmingham a great place to do business and live.
Whilst applying under my employer, TechWM (formerly Birmingham Tech), I will also be able to represent the interests of two other members – SF Recruitment, who are a close partner in my role, and Focus Birmingham, who I am a trustee for.
Yetunde Dania
Birmingham has been my home, by choice, for almost 30 years and I’m extremely passionate about our amazing city, the greater Birmingham region and the talent of its diverse communities and businesses.
Due to the senior position I hold at international law firm Trowers & Hamlins LLP, my involvement with the GBCC Black Business Collective, the BCON networking group and my extensive social media profile on LinkedIn, I believe what I have to say matters and appeals to a more diverse audience.
I consider that my involvement with the GBCC Council would undoubtedly enable GBCC to reach, and raise its profile with, people and businesses from diverse communities with its campaigns, news about its policies and overall and offering.
I work very well with others as I am collaborative and have a naturally an engaging personality. I strongly believe I will add real value if I am successful in being appointed as a member of the GBCC Council.
Please vote using the form below