Chamber announces judges for Solihull Awards 2023

Solihull Chamber has announced the six judges for the Solihull Awards 2023, which are to take place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Friday 20 October 2023.

One of the judges will be Rob Palmer. After leaving school at 16, Rob (pictured) wanted to go straight into work as a chef and gained an apprenticeship at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole where he worked for four years. He then went to work at The Forest Hotel in Dorridge, which at the time had always achieved 2 Rosette status from the AA guide. After just under three years he left to go and work at Hampton Manor as Junior sous chef under former Michelin starred chef Martyn Pearn.

Whilst at Hampton Manor Rob soon worked his way to sous chef and was instrumental in helping Martyn build a young dynamic and ambitious team of chefs. Then in 2014, Rob was given the Head Chef job. Two years later, although Rob had never worked in a kitchen that held a Michelin star, him and his team achieved the status of 1 Michelin star, the first ever for Solihull.

Rob and his team continued to achieve the status of 1 Michelin star & 4 rosettes up until leaving in early 2021 to set up his first solo venture 'Toffs by Rob Palmer '. Toffs is now the only fine dining restaurant within the town centre after opening its doors in March 2022.

Another of the judges will be Jonathan Horsfall. Jonathan is an accomplished material scientist and engineer with over 16 years of experience in various facets of the steel industry, including manufacturing, sales, procurement, business development, and management. Jonathan has played instrumental roles in the acquisition and sale of businesses, as well as leading research and development projects and diversification initiatives.

Mike Dale, managing director of Crown Highways, will also be on the judging panel. Crown Highways are previous winners of Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber awards and the main GBCC Awards for Technology & Innovation.

Mike said: “I 'm looking forward to judging these awards and reading all the great submissions from companies across the Solihull region, I 'm sure we 'll recognise some amazing businesses who will be able to celebrate their award wins for years to come. ”

Ashley Kerr will also be judging the awards, Ashley is an associate in the national corporate law team at Mills & Reeve LLP. Ashley regularly supports clients across a variety of matters including mergers and acquisitions, reorganisations and matters of corporate governance and was most recently recognised as the Future Face of Legal in 2022.

Ashley said: “I am excited to be invited to judge this year 's nominations for the Solihull Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner & Awards. I 'm certain that the nominations will recognise the very best of business and talent in Solihull. ”

The remaining judges will be Sapreena Kumari, executive director for Admissions and Student Recruitment at Staffordshire University, and Anna Smith, director of Beyond the Book.

Anna said: "Beyond The Book opened it 's doors 15 years ago, and I 've personally worked with hundreds of brands to consult and lead on employer brand and recruitment strategy. Having built a business and worked directly with so many small and large organisations, I hope I am well placed to be a judge at these awards, on behalf of the Chamber. I 'd like to wish everyone the very best of luck!"

Helen Bates, chief financial officer at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, will be chairing the judging. She said: “It is a real honour to be the chair of judges for this year 's Solihull Awards. The awards are a great way to showcase the huge range of talent, skills and success that the Solihull business community has to offer.

“I would like to encourage all of the Solihull members to consider entering the awards, it is the perfect opportunity to show yourself and your business off and to get recognised professionally. ”

There are 11 award categories that businesses can apply for (max two per organisation). One business will also be crowned Solihull 's Business of the Year, sponsored by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.

The full breakdown of the award categories can be found HERE.

Award applications will close at 4pm, Friday 14 July. Application forms and ticket pricing information is available on the event website HERE.