Solihull Expo 2024

Kevin Johns

Managing Director, Prime Accountants Group

Kevin Johns is a Managing Director and shareholder of Prime Accountants Group, one of the largest independent firms of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers in the West Midlands.

Kevin led the group to win the Solihull Chamber Business of the Year Award in 2023 as well as the Contribution to the Community Award. He leads the business not only for the good of his team and clients but the greater community at large.

Kevin takes an active interest in the development and growth of the business community within Solihull, and has been on the Executive Committee at the Chamber for 12 years including 2 years as President. Kevin is Chairman of Solihull BID and was awarded a British Empire Medal in 2019 for his services to Solihull.

Kevin has already taken on a mentoring role to support one of the Chambers’ Future Faces members and wishes to increase his support to the next generation of business leaders. He sees the role of VP as a position from which he will be able to offer greater support to the current President and the future President Elect.

For over 30 years, Kevin has worked with a wide variety of businesses, from owner managed to multi million pound turnover businesses. His diverse portfolio of clients has enabled him to develop an understanding of the various needs within the business community, which allows him to bring forward the views of many business leaders to ensure they are heard.

Tony Elvin

General Manager, Touchwood Shopping Centre

Former Solihull Chamber President and General Manager at the award winning Touchwood Shopping Centre in Solihull, Tony has a rich and varied hospitality and leisure background working in and operating health clubs, bars, restaurants, family entertainment centres and hotels. He also runs his own events business, The Wine Events Company, hosting tastings, pop ups, collaborations and dinners across the region.

Tony is an active ambassador for the region. Whilst sitting on the Solihull Chamber Exec Team, he is also Deputy Chair for Solihull BID, Deputy Chair for the Solihull Tourism Steering Group, Head Judge for the Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards, The Birmingham Awards and sits on various boards within the region.

Cllr Karen Grinsell

Deputy Leader of Solihull Council

Karen Grinsell is a prominent figure in Solihull, serving as the Deputy Leader of the Council and the Lead Member for Wellbeing, Skills & Inclusion. She represents the Conservative Party and holds office in the Shirley East ward. 

Gemma Dilkes

Policy and Projects Officer, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Gemma joined GBCC in January 2023 as Policy and Projects Officer. She is responsible for the research and delivery of the GBCC’s economic publications, namely the Greater Birmingham Quarterly Business Report and the West Midlands Quarterly Economic Snapshot. Gemma has also conducted research for the Business Commission West Midlands and supports the GBCC Global and Transatlantic divisions.

Before joining GBCC, Gemma studied at Aston University, gaining a BSc in French and Spanish and an MA in International Relations and Global Governance. Gemma also undertook a year in industry during her studies where she completed internships at Air France in Toulouse and at Lupicinio International Law Firm in Madrid. As an Aston Alumnae, Gemma now sits on the advisory board of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities alongside professionals from a range of industries across the region.

Anthony Tattum

CEO, LEOPARD CO

Anthony is an agency owner obsessed with marketing effectiveness. He found Big Cat, a Birmingham-based multidisciplinary creative agency in 2000 and has shepherded its growth over the past 20 years. Anthony is West Midlands Regional Head for the Institute for Practitioners in Advertising (IPA), the professional body, representing the advertising industry, incorporated by Royal Charter. As Co-CEO of Leopard Co, Anthony's vision is to build a high-performing team of smart consultants that can support organisations on their growth, transformation and innovation journeys.