A tough year but Sutton remains hungry for business - Chamber committee

The president and vice-president of the Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce have been sharing their hopes and reflections ahead of the Christmas period.

We hear from president Phil Arkinstall (pictured) and vice-presidents Clare Whalley and Naeem Arif.

Phil Arkinstall, president of Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Ark Media

It's been another tough year for businesses in Royal Sutton Coldfield.

We've seen in the Chamber that some industries have been doing well but a lot have been really struggling.

As a Chamber, we are here to support our business community and have been proactive with business support and putting on events (both online and in person).

As we move into 2022 we hope that the business community will have a smoother year and start to thrive, but there is still a long way to go with the current state of Covid.

Clare Whalley, vice-president of Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce and owner of Meta4Coaching

It has been through another challenging year for many businesses dealing with recruitment, staff morale and cancellations.

It's important to acknowledge that whilst some businesses have enjoyed an upturn in profits many have not.

The business community is a tightly-knit network and we are all here to support each other through good and bad times.

If in need do reach out to your network, at some point or another your 'colleagues' will have been through where you are now and can offer heaps of support, advice and ideas on how to innovate and keep motivated.

Naeem Arif, vice-president of Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce, owner of NA Consulting and chair of United Carpets

There has been lots of positivity throughout the region, including the amazing charity work and support the Chamber committee and members have offered to charities such as YMCA, UK Sepsis, Acorns.

Importantly we have seen people running back to face to face networking this year and that tells me they are hungry for business.