Andy Dawson takes over as Chamber president

The new president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) has vowed to ensure businesses have “the tools, knowledge and confidence” to embrace new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

Andy Dawson, the co-founder of Birmingham-headquartered business transformation organisation Curium Solutions, was today named as successor to outgoing president Nasir Awan during GBCC’s annual meeting at Unique Venues Birmingham.

Before establishing Curium Solutions in 2008, alongside co-founders James and Adam Farrow, Andy built a successful career in the insurance industry.

He is a long-standing member of the GBCC’s Chamber Council, a mentor for ex-forces charity Heropreneurs and the co-host of podcast Wit + Grit alongside BBC Radio WM presenter PJ Ellis.

Andy said: “It is an honour to take on the role of president of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, an organisation that plays such an integral part in supporting and representing our region’s business community.

“Since Curium Solutions first became members in 2016, I have seen first-hand the power of the Chamber to bring people together, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change across the region.

“In preparing for this new role, I took time to speak with several past presidents whose experience and insights have been invaluable.

“Each one described the privilege of serving this diverse and dynamic business community, and their reflections have helped shape my approach to the presidency.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Nasir Awan for his exceptional leadership and his unwavering commitment to championing small businesses and international trade.

“His work has had a lasting impact on the region and provides a strong platform for the next phase of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce’s journey.”

During his two-year presidency, Andy has vowed to highlight the opportunities and challenges of AI, as well as the role businesses can play in supporting the veteran community.

He added: “Having worked closely with members of the armed forces, I have witnessed both their remarkable resilience and the challenges they face as they transition into civilian life.

“With Birmingham set to host the Invictus Games in 2027, we have a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on their achievements, strengthen our support networks, and celebrate their contribution to society.”

On helping firms embrace AI, he said: “AI is already reshaping the way we live and work, and while it brings huge potential to enhance productivity and innovation, it also presents challenges we must be ready to face.

“I want to ensure that businesses across Greater Birmingham, particularly SMEs, have the tools, knowledge and confidence to embrace these technologies responsibly and effectively.”

Greg Lowson, chair of the GBCC, said: “I’m delighted that Andy will be our next president.

“He and his firm have been supporters of the Chamber for approaching a decade, first as a member and then also as a patron.

“Andy has also supported personally in many other ways. The skills that he brings, and his focus on AI and ensuring that Chamber members are in the best possible position to respond to its challenges and opportunities, could not be more timely.”

Meanwhile, Carmen Watson, chair of Pertemps Network Group, has been elected as the GBCC’s vice-president.

She said: “Having served on the Chamber Council for the last couple years, I have seen first-hand the enormous amount of work that goes into supporting local businesses, both from a policy perspective and through practical initiatives.

“I have been hugely impressed by the Chamber’s commitment to driving growth and creating opportunities across our region.

“It is therefore an honour and privilege to take on the role of vice-president, and I look forward to supporting the president and the board in any way I can as we move forward into 2026.”

Pictured: Andy Dawson and Nasir Awan