Alex is CEO of TIN Ventures, which is a venture builder and micro-investment business focused on improving social mobility through employability, addressing fuel poverty and climate sustainability.
He serves as Chair of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce – Black Business Collective, as an Entrepreneur in Residence at The Open University, a NED for Brixton House cultural theatre venue, Solo Housing, the homelessness charity, and an Advisory Board Member of the Innovation Alliance of the West Midlands, as well as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Art.
Anthony Tattum is Chief Marketing Officer at Leopard Co, a Birmingham-based marketing agency that helps ambitious businesses grow through insight-led, results-driven campaigns. With nearly 30 years of experience, Anthony has worked with start-ups, challenger brands and household names to develop strategies that cut through and content that connects. Known for combining creative thinking with behavioural science and a commercial mindset, he’s passionate about helping SMEs use marketing more effectively to drive awareness, engagement and sales - without wasting time or budget.
Claire Umney is the Managing Director of Alwayse, a Birmingham-based global leader in ball transfer units and solutions.
Since joining in January 2024, Claire has been pivotal in steering the company through a new phase of innovation and international growth, focusing on delivering high-impact and cost-effective solutions that enhance productivity and employee well-being across diverse industrial sectors.
She has also recently been selected to contribute her expertise as a member of the West Midlands Logistics and Distribution Cluster Advisory Board. The Advisory Board has been convened to focus on how to drive growth in the region’s logistics and distribution sector.
Claire holds an MSc in Logistics and Transport Management from the University of Huddersfield and has over two decades of experience in logistics, automation, and supply chain technology.
Claire previously served as Managing Director at Breathe Technologies. There, she led the integration of advanced warehouse automation and proprietary software solutions to drive operational efficiencies for major clients.
Claire's earlier career includes senior roles at AEB International, CEVA Logistics, and TNT, where she specialised in implementing strategic IT initiatives and logistics solutions across various industries, including aerospace, retail, and pharmaceuticals."
Professor Shah is Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research, Enterprise, Engagement and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) at Birmingham City University. She has cross-institutional responsibility for setting vision and direction across all faculties, leading strategic planning, and overseeing people, operational, and financial performance.
A key member of the University Executive Team, she has had a transformative impact at BCU in her previous roles as Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment (CEBE), and the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media (ADM). Her two faculties generated £100M+ p/a, supported 500+ staff and educated 10,000+ on-campus students alongside thousands more globally.
Professor Shah is a leading researcher in information systems and a strong advocate of interdisciplinary research, knowledge exchange, and developing robust relationships with industry. Under her guidance, BCU has emerged as a national leader in emerging technologies, Artificial Intelligence, 5G, IoT, Smart & Sustainable Cities, and Data Analytics.
She also pioneered the design and delivery of industry-linked education programmes with national private and public sector partners to expand access to Higher Education for working professionals and led the foundational applied research programmes that underpin BCU’s AHRC-funded CreaTech Frontiers project, helping establish the West Midlands as a global hub for creative innovation. In 2025, Professor Shah was awarded an OBE for services to Higher Education.
Presentation 2: An overview of Greater Birmingham and its influence on the global stage
Jayne is Head of the Mills & Reeve Birmingham office and also leads the Mills & Reeve national mid-market focus. Jayne is also a commercial contracts specialist with a wealth of experience in advising businesses on complex supply chain arrangements, including outsourcing contracts, contract manufacturing arrangements and long term supply and purchasing agreements. The majority of Jayne’s work is cross-border.
Jayne has a keen interest in supporting the automotive sector and is a member of the Drive Midlands advisory board.
Martin has over 35 years experience in the software and services sector. He is a graduate of Imperial College and has also studied at MIT, IESE and University of Michigan. He has enjoyed a successful executive career in sales, marketing and consulting in the enterprise technology space and is a 2x exited co-founder. Martin is now an active angel investor and works with a portfolio of early-stage tech ventures to bring to bear his expertise in enterprise sales, commercial strategy and conscious leadership to drive growth and shareholder value.
Martin recently served a two-year term as the first West Midlands Tech Commissioner, a unique honorary role appointed by West Midlands Mayor, Sir Andy Street, to grow the regional tech economy. In this role, he chaired the regional Digital Advisory Board and joined the Advisory Board of the West Midlands Co-Invest Fund. Martin is a regular blogger and speaker on the topics of entrepreneurial business growth and high conscious leadership, the latter being a particular personal passion.
Suzie started her first business at 24, offering marketing and PR consultancy services. She was recognized as “Birmingham Young Professional of the Year” before transitioning into Further Education in 2013. Suzie is now the Vice Principal of External Development at BMet College and serves as the Chair of Skills West Midlands and Warwickshire. She is deeply committed to bridging the gap between industry and education. In 2021, she co-authored an academic paper published in The London Review of Education, which explores the importance of collaboration within skills development.
Recently, Suzie was re-elected to a second term as a Council Member at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and also sits on the West Midlands Regional Council for the Confederation of British Industry. She was also honored with the “President’s Award” by the Future Faces division of the Chamber in recognition of her influence and support for young professionals across Greater Birmingham.
In addition to her professional work, Suzie volunteers as an Enterprise Advisor at Rigby Hall Special School in Bromsgrove, where her young son is a pupil. She is passionate about enhancing opportunities for young people with disabilities and supporting parents and carers in developing fulfilling careers.
Taj is a corporate finance specialist at Bishop Fleming and has spent 24 years advising local businesses on their strategic options, including non-core disposals, acquisitions, sales, private equity investment and refinancing. Taj has experience across a range of sectors, but his primary focus is working with owner-managed and family-owned businesses in the Midlands.
General Manager at the award-winning Touchwood Shopping Centre in Solihull for some 7.5 years, Tony has a rich and varied retail, hospitality and leisure background working in and operating health clubs, bars, restaurants, family entertainment centres and hotels.
Tony is an active ambassador for the region. Whilst sitting on the Solihull Chambers of Commerce Exec Team, the former Chamber President is also Chair for the Solihull BID and the Solihull Tourism Board Steering Group whilst serving on various boards and committees spanning retail, charity and hospitality. Tony is also a serial mentor, awards panel judge, and speaker within schools and on industry panels.
