Chamber awards judging panel revealed
Thirteen leading figures from business, education and local Government will run the rule over a record number of entries for the 2026 Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce awards.
The judging panel has been announced ahead of the glittering black-tie celebration – the biggest of its kind in the West Midlands.
The 2026 awards take place at the ICC on Thursday 14 May.
A revamped set of 12 award categories attracted a record level of entries for the event.
As in previous years, one of the category winners will be crowned overall Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.
An independent panel will conduct the judging process this month.
The judging panel includes:
- Tony Elvin – general manager, Touchwood Solihull
- Nicola Turner – CEO, United By 2022
- Alex Cole – founder and CEO, Tinventures
- Zak Mensah – co-CEO, Birmingham Museums Trust
- Hanifa Shah - pro vice-chancellor, Research, Enterprise, Engagement and STEAM, Birmingham City University
- Jayne Hussey – partner and head of office – Mills & Reeve
- Taj Lalli – partner, Bishop Fleming
- Rob Nagra – head of site, Deutsche Bank
- Anthony Tattum – chief marketing office, Leopard Co
- Martin Ward – CEO, Silicon Square Consulting
- Claire Umney – managing director, Alwayse Engineering
- Suzie Branch-Haddow - vice principal of External Development, BMet College
- Sharon Thompson – deputy mayor of the West Midlands
Chair of the judges is the GBCC’s director of membership Lillian Elekan, who said: “Once again, we’re delighted to welcome a judging panel made up of industry and civic leaders who are all highly respected in their fields.
“We have had a tremendous response to our 12 brand new awards categories, which has led to a record number of entries.
“We look forward to reviewing these entries – it promises to be a challenging but exciting task for our judges.”
Find out more information about the 2026 Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce awards.
