Meet The Judging Panel
Eman Al-Hillawi
Monica Ghai
Jamie Gibson
Martin Hall
Marina Ibrahim
Felix Peter-Thomas
Gary Phelps
Eman Al-Hillawi arrived in Birmingham in 1987 to study at the University of Birmingham, ultimately making the city the base for her consultancy, Entec Si, and Solihull her home. Trained as a biochemist, Eman brings an analytical mindset and over thirty years’ experience leading business transformation. She specialises in delivering complex, multi-million-pound change programmes, particularly those involving technology and digital innovation, while always prioritising people. As a regional business leader, Eman values collaboration, maintaining strong networks and actively engaging with local organisations to keep abreast of evolving business challenges.
Monica relocated to Birmingham from South Yorkshire approximately 9 years ago and is an experienced Legal Director at Shakespeare Martineau LLP, specialising in family law.
Monica can assist with all aspects of divorce and financial remedy proceedings following breakdown of marriage, civil partnership or relationship. She also advises in disputes involving children and domestic abuse. In particular, Monica has particular interest and expertise in representing individuals where there are cultural and/or international elements of family law. Monica is ranked as a ‘Leading Associate’ in the Legal 500 UK, 2026 guide.
In addition, Monica represents the firm’s family team on its India Desk initiative which aims to link UK-India specialist lawyers across an international network.
Monica is passionate about representing the Asian community in both the legal and business world. Monica has sat on the board of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, which acts as an advocate for Asian businesses in the local community for 4 years. In October 2025, Monica was appointed as President of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce and continues to lead on various initiatives including the Asian Women in Business sub network.
Jamie is a Group Assurance Manager at National Grid, based in Warwick, providing assurance across complex regulatory, risk and control environments in the UK and US. He is a Chartered ACCA accountant, the Future Face of Finance Winner 2022, and an Executive Committee Member for Future Faces. He brings extensive experience in governance, risk management and control effectiveness, working closely with senior leaders and Boards to support robust decision‑making and long‑term value creation. As a judge for the Solihull Chamber Awards, he is passionate about recognising ambitious, well‑governed businesses delivering sustainable growth and positive community impact.
Martin Hall is Managing Director of M Hall Limited and a seasoned leader in UK Corporate Insurance Broking. He currently serves as President of the Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber of Commerce and is Chair of Trustees at Services for Education. A committed advocate for early‑career development, Martin is also a long‑standing Mentor for Future Faces and an Enterprise Adviser supporting education settings across Staffordshire. Known for his strategic leadership and cross‑sector influence, Martin is very proud to join the judging panel for the Solihull Chamber of Commerce Awards 2026 and looks forward to reviewing what he knows will be exceptionally strong applications.
Marina Ibrahim is an award-winning Cultural Agility and Inclusive Leadership Consultant, keynote speaker, and Founder of Globility Insights.
Marina studied at Birmingham City University and is a Global Chamber Committee Member. She began her career in Germany’s marketing, creative, and media industries before moving to the West Midlands in 2002, where she supported SMEs from start-up to scale-up.
With over 25 years of international experience and a German–Egyptian–British background, she helps leaders and multicultural teams turn cultural diversity into a strategic advantage.
As a judge, Marina brings a cross-cultural perspective, recognising organisations that turn cultural diversity into a competitive advantage through inclusive leadership, collaboration, and sustainable growth.
Felix is a Business Development Director at Santander Corporate and Commercial Banking. A specialist in SME, commercial, and corporate finance, he is also a qualified lawyer, and project manager, who recently completed an MSc Digital and Technology Solutions degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, in addition to a Level 7-degree apprenticeship in digital and technology solutions.
Santander covers over 85% of all trade corridors available to UK businesses and beyond. Recent research from Santander UK shows, over half (52%) of UK businesses are looking to international trade as a growth driver and 39% of domestic businesses are considering expanding abroad in the next three years, up from 17% in 2023. Felix’s support with international trade programs and events is enabling businesses to maximise these opportunities and prosper.
With a proven track record of supporting new and established businesses, both locally and internationally for over 11 years, Felix has supported with all forms of business growth discussions, as well as supporting businesses with trade finance, cashflow opportunities, business loans, guarantees, export loans, MBOs and so much more.
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.
Gary is the current President of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce.
Claire Reeves is a multi-award-winning Mental Health and Wellbeing Coach and Counsellor, specialising in men’s mental health, anxiety, burnout, and neurodivergent clients. She works with individuals and organisations to create meaningful, lasting change through coaching, training, and therapeutic approaches, and leads a counselling team supporting a wide range of client needs. Claire is passionate about helping people reconnect with themselves and move towards a life that feels more aligned and fulfilling.