Judging Chair
David Woakes
Head of Commercial Development
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
Meet the Judges
Nadia Johnstone-Smith
Claire Reeves
Kevin Johns
Rebecca Fox
Caroline Fotheringham
Amina Hussain
David Woakes
Head of Commercial Development
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
Kevin Johns is a 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 also for the benefit of the greater community at large.
Taking an active interest in the development and growth of the Solihull business community, Kevin has served on the Executive Committee at the Solihull Chamber for 12 years including 2 years as President, he continues to serve as Vice President. Kevin is Chairman of Solihull BID and was awarded a British Empire Medal in 2019 for his services to Solihull.
Kevin is passionate about supporting the next generation of business leaders and has already taken on a mentoring role to support one of the Chambers’ Future Faces members. 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.
With over 30 years of experience, Kevin has worked with a wide variety of businesses, from owner managed to multi-million pound turnover businesses. His diverse portfolio of clients enables 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.
With over 20 years of experience in the community and third sector, I have developed strong expertise in SEND and inclusion, working closely with children, young people, and families to create accessible, empowering environments. I am passionate about supporting individuals to overcome barriers, discover their strengths, and achieve their full potential. As a committed advocate for partnership working, I actively bring together local businesses and charitable organisations to align their efforts in service of the community.
Chief Executive of SARAC – Specialist trainer and consultant in the impact of trauma
Caroline Fotheringham is the newly appointed Chief Executive at SARAC (sexual Abuse Rape Advice Centre) a small charity that supports 100’s of victims and survivors of sexual abuse in Burton and the surrounding areas year on year. They offer trauma informed preventative training to corporates and their community, creating compliance and a culture of zero tolerance towards sexual abuse.
Caroline has around 20 years’ experience working in education, local authorities and communities, she started her journey as a volunteer at SARAC and over the last 5 years has had the blessed opportunity to work with clients, dedicated staff and volunteers.
Her passion is providing a safe platform and support for people to grow, regardless of their background or individual needs.
Amina Hussain is a qualified practice accountant with 26 years of experience and a strong corporate background from the Big Four firm, KPMG. She is the CEO of her accountancy firm, SME Outsourcing, which includes a dedicated financial services and training arm. Based in Birmingham, Amina specialises in accounting, taxation, business advisory, and restructuring. She is the former Co-President of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as Vice President of the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce. Amina also supports the Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s Small Business Academy, empowering entrepreneurs with financial skills and business growth strategies.