Chamber boss hails business 'resilience, ingenuity and creativity '
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Henrietta Brealey has paid glowing tribute to the 'resilience, ingenuity and creativity ' of the business sector in the face of Covid-19, the Ukraine war and economic obstacles, writes Jon Griffin.
Ms Brealey (pictured) praised the 'stunning examples ' of more than 80 regional businesses shortlisted for the Chambers ' showpiece annual dinner and awards at the International Convention Centre.
She told more than 1,100 guests: “Just when you think we 're getting to a new normal we get through three Prime Ministers and four Chancellors in four months, and the country gets obsessed with a live stream of a lettuce.
“In fact if anyone had told us a few years back that we 'd be experiencing a global pandemic, war in Europe, an energy crisis, Brexit, eye watering inflation, rising interest rates and labour market shortages all at once - you wouldn 't think there 'd be any business success to celebrate.
“And yet, here we are. The 83 shortlisted organisations tonight are stunning examples of the resilience, ingenuity and creativity of the businesses that are proud to call this great region home.
“From Burton to Brum, Sutton to Solihull, Cannock to Lichfield & Tamworth - we had applications from businesses right across the region, all doing incredible things to lead their fields and make a difference to their communities. ”
Ms Brealey hailed the longevity of the Birmingham Chamber, which will be 210 years old in the summer. “In fact to be very precise, we 're going to be 210 years old at 11am on the 22 July. They kept very good minutes in 1813.
“This longevity, this way in which the Chamber and the brilliant people that bring this network to life, continue to be so embedded in the foundations of this region is a testament to the fundamental nature of what we do. Because business just is better together.
“Whether we 're supporting each other when times get tough and facing challenges, together, or taking forward new ideas and ways of working together or championing the views and needs of businesses together. ”
Ms Brealey revealed forthcoming changes to the Chambers ' Future Faces network, the young professionals ' arm of the organisation.
“We 're proud to be home to the region 's largest cross-sector young professional network, connecting and developing the business leaders of the future. In 2020 The longstanding BPS network Birmingham Future, joined forces with Future Faces.
“To mark the next stage of this merger we 're delighted to reveal that this year 's Future Faces Chambers of Commerce Awards has been rebranded as the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards. ”