Business must work together to beat hurdles - Chamber president

Faced with the uncertainty of the coming months, it is more important than ever for businesses in Greater Birmingham to work together to overcome tough hurdles and seize opportunities, the annual meeting of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) was told.

Greg Lowson, in his first year as GBCC chairman following the retirement of David Waller, was speaking to members at the Edgbaston cricket stadium on Friday.

He said: “After the difficulty of the past few years - in which businesses have navigated the economic headwinds of Brexit and a devastating pandemic - I am proud that the Chamber has continued to provide invaluable support to firms across the city-region. ”

“Despite the economic challenges facing the country, it is extremely positive to see the Chamber 's total income increase 22 per cent on last year and generate an operating surplus of £475,000. Such impressive growth would not be possible without Team Chamber, who have remained committed to helping connect, support and grow local businesses regardless of the obstacles presented to them.

“As a not-for-profit organisation, this enables us to reinvest in the business to ensure that we continue to thrive whatever the economic climate.

“Greater Birmingham was thrust into the global spotlight this year as host of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. I could not be prouder of how the business community worked to welcome overseas visitors and showcase the very best of the city.

“I am looking forward to seeing how we can harness the collaborative spirit seen throughout the Games to establish an impressive legacy for years to come. ”

Mr Lowson noted that the board was further strengthened with the appointments of Charlie Blakemore, Amardeep Gill, and Ruth Pipkin as non-executive directors.

He added: “I am looking forward to working alongside them to make Greater Birmingham the best place to start, move and grow a business.

“None of this would be possible without our members, and I am deeply thankful for their continued support and engagement. Given the uncertainty of the coming months, it is more important than ever that the business community works together to overcome tough hurdles and seize upon future opportunities presented to our region. ”

Deb Leary said that international trade connections had been a core theme of the year to date, with delegations and officials from Serbia, Ukraine, Mexico, South Carolina, and Ohio all travelling to the Chamber to meet with herself, the team, and Chamber members.

She added: “A year has gone in a flash, and yet again so much has changed. A war in the Ukraine, rising energy costs, strikes, the death of the Queen, the cost-of-living crisis and ongoing upheavals with Government and the markets.

“However, we must find balance. Our businesses have shown the ultimate resilience and faith. They have continued to be creative and innovative to find their way through and this I know they will continue to do.

“The Chamber will continue to be there to provide support, to lobby when necessary, and to celebrate members ' successes through our variety of Award events. It is essential that we recognise those who continue to step forward to build the businesses that make this city and region the true centre of innovation, business and hospitality. ”

Henrietta Brealey, the GBCC 's chief executive, noted that for the business community, 2021/22 was another year of change, ending with the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions combined with the shock of Russia 's brutal invasion of Ukraine.

She added: “2022/23 shows no sign of slowing down. We have seen three Prime Ministers and four Chancellors in just four months. Through this uncertain time, we will continue to support and champion our members and the interests of local business. Earlier this year, we launched a three-year business plan and strategy for the Chamber based around our central themes of Customer, Culture, Community, Commercial and Core.

Like all businesses, we must continue to plan for what we can, control the controllables, and be ready to adapt and respond to whatever the future may bring. As such, we look forward to continuing to connect, support and grow local businesses over the months and years ahead. ”

Pictured from left to right: Greg Lowson, Henrietta Brealey, Deb Leary and Nasir Awan, Chamber vice-president.