Business at Breakfast - Royal Sutton Coldfield

Gary Phelps

Owner, Gary Phelps Communications

Gary Phelps has been a leading media figure in the West Midlands for more than 30 years.

A multi award-winning journalist, he has edited nine newspapers, including the Tamworth Herald, Royal Sutton Coldfield Observer, Lichfield Mercury and Nuneaton News.

He now runs PR agency Gary Phelps Communications, with clients including industrial innovators Power Minerals Ltd, German energy giant STEAG and dozens of local schools including the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership.
Gary also worked with former West Midlands mayor Andy Street.

Naeem Arif

Director, United Carpets & Beds

Naeem is a Director at United Carpets & Beds, managing stores in the central and north  Birmignham region.  

As a national retailer, they make use of digital marketing and tools to engage potential customers and delivering services to existing cusfomers

In this session Naeem will share how they use Google tools like Google Maps and Google Reviews functionality 

Karl Rowntree

Director, RotoSpa Ltd

Karl is the Director at RotoSpa, the UK’s only hot tub manufacturer based here in Sutton Coldfield.

RotoSpa experienced unprecedented demand for their products during 2020/21 due to Covid. 2022 saw consumers able to spend freely on other products and services, and this, combined with the ongoing energy crisis, meant a drop in the demand for hot tubs from UK consumers. 

RotoSpa had to focus its efforts on digital and conventional marketing to gain brand awareness, which has resulted in 100% growth of direct sales to retail customers in 2024. During this session Karl will take you through RotoSpa’ s journey.

Salman Dossa

General Secretary (Volunteer), Overseas Business Forum

Business - Website Designing / Social Media Marketing 

3 West Midlands prestigious award winner 2024 - Website Design / App Development & Marketing Agency. 

Idizaayn - pronunciation - idesign 

I have been in IT past 25+ years. I embarked on WebServices past 10 years helping Small - Medium size businesses achieve their potential online. I’m always learning new skills so I can deliver better results for my clients. 

Scott Billing

Head of Sales & Marketing, Ark Media Productions Limited

Scott launched his video career in 2011 after completing a Master’s in Film and TV in his hometown of Birmingham. He spent five years in London working on popular shows like Gogglebox (where the team won a BAFTA), Come Dine With Me, Four in a Bed, and Alan Carr’s Chatty Man, rising to Producer. Returning to Birmingham, Scott led the video department at Electric House, a prominent social media agency. Two years ago, he joined Ark Media, where he now plays a key role in sales and marketing, specialising in video strategy, social media, and creative development.