Commonwealth Chamber appoints new president

Mark Smith, Aston University 's executive director of business and regional engagement was elected as the new president of the Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce.

Mark is the university 's first executive director of business engagement.

He takes strategic responsibility for all business engagement activities at the university while showcasing the commercial benefits to business, professional and public sector organisations.

His career has involved working across government, regeneration and online education taking on big projects including establishing new airports and fostering enterprise in inner-city areas.

Speaking about the appointment, Mark said: “I 'm delighted to accept the nomination of the Commonwealth chamber of commerce and I commit to make sure I can do as much as I can for the chamber over the coming year.

“I will be delightful to build on the work already undertaken by past presidents Joel Blake and Keith Stokes Smith.

“During my tenure as president, I hope to continue promote bilateral trade and bring the Commonwealth chamber closer to other chapters including the Birmingham Commonwealth association and the Birmingham consular association to have the best possible linkages at the best possible level for all our chamber members.

“By creating a platform for greater collaboration across the chambers we can achieve all the goals all the members of the Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce. ”

Janie Frampton, director of Sports Officials Consultancy, will continue to act as the vice president of the Commonwealth chamber.

She said: “I am delighted to have served as vice president of the Commonwealth Chamber for the last two years.

“Post covid, we are able to offer stability through a structured, informed process underpinned by the collective knowledge and experience of the Chamber and its members, in order to face further challenges the future may hold for both sport and industry alike, especially through these exceptionally tough economic times that will affect us all in many ways.

“Widening the scope of bilateral trade on the back of Brexit, securing major projects, and expanding networks in order for business links to grow develop and become robust sustainable relationships is even more paramount as we navigate through this tough economic climate.

“It's important that we go forward with an authentic, enthusiastic, ambitious approach to the future and by using and growing existing networks, linking members to global opportunities to raise the profile of Birmingham as a leading commercial city. ”

Outgoing president Joel Blake said: “It was an honour to serve the business community and stakeholders during what has been unprecedented and challenging times for all.

“We led a host of initiatives from our first ever online Global Trade Conference, to hosting both online and offline delegations from global commonwealth countries, through to localised peer to peer member-only events including the highly successful partnership event with the high commissioner of Canada and much more. ”