Solihull Expo 2026

Paige Bowyer

Policy and Research Analyst, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Paige Bowyer is a Policy and Research Analyst at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. She leads on the production of the Quarterly Business Report, sponsored by Birmingham City University, and the Quarterly Economic Snapshot, delivering data-driven insights into regional business conditions and economic trends. Paige also contributes to major research projects, including the Birmingham Economic Review, supporting evidence-based policy development and advocacy for local businesses. She holds a degree in Philosophy from the University of Warwick, bringing strong analytical and critical thinking skills to economic research and policy analysis.

Tony Elvin

General Manager, Touchwood Solihull

General Manager at the award-winning, sustainability focused, Touchwood Shopping Centre in Solihull, 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, community and hospitality. Tony is also a serial mentor, awards panel judge, and speaker within schools and on industry panels.  

Cllr Karen Grinsell

Council Leader, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

Karen has been a Councillor since 2012 and was elected as the first female Deputy Leader of Solihull Council in 2019. She is also the Cabinet Member for Children and Education as well as the Lead Member for Corporate Parenting and Armed Forces Champion. Before this Karen was the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health, and Communities & Partnerships.

Emma-Louise Hewitt

President of Solihull Chamber and Head of Employment, Sydney Mitchell

I am the Vice President of the Solihull Chamber of Commerce and a Partner and the Head of the Employment Law Department at Sydney Mitchell LLP.  I deal with all aspects of the minefield that is employment law for both employers and employees providing guidance and support.  

With my role in the Chamber, I support my Vice President’s and the President of the Chamber in their roles as well as the Chamber itself and its and its members.  I am an active networker within the Borough of Solihull, not only on a business level, but also on a personal basis being part of a wider community of people and supporting local businesses, which really excites me. Relationships are really important to me and I thrive on that.  If I can help I will.

I have been part of the Chamber for 13 years.  For the last 3 years I have sat on the Solihull Chamber Executive Committee, helping to drive change, promote engagement, encouraging work inspiration amongst businesses for the next generation, as well as supporting both the Chamber and its members and I will keep on doing this!  

Kevin Johns

Director and Shareholder, Prime Accountants Group

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 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.