Former newspaper editor becomes Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber president

A former newspaper editor and award-winning journalist has taken the reins as president of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce.

Gary Phelps, who grew up in the town and went on to become the editor of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Observer, was named as the Chamber’s new president at the AGM at Moor Hall Hotel & Spa on Monday.

A new vice-president was also appointed at the AGM, with customer experience expert Shaun Cremins of insight6 joining fellow vice-president, CUDOS Creative agency founder Kate Curry.

Gary Phelps has worked in the media for more than 30 years and has edited nine newspapers - including the Tamworth Herald, Royal Sutton Coldfield Observer, Lichfield Mercury and Nuneaton News.

He runs Gary Phelps Communications, a media consultancy specialising in education, charity, industry and public affairs.

Gary ran comms on former West Midlands mayor Andy Street's election campaigns and is also editor-in-chief of ASHES Magazine, a bi-annual transglobal publication serving the worldwide ashes sector.

A member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, Gary is the founder and publisher of www.ukschoolnews.com and www.suttonschoollife.co.uk, and is also the author of horror novel 13 Doors.

Gary, who succeeds outgoing president Naeem Arif, said: “Sutton Coldfield is a special place – you could even call it unique.

“Why? Because there are two Sutton Coldfields – the up-market suburb of the UK’s Second City, and the ancient Tudor town which retains a bit of a stubborn independent streak.

“It’s home to a thriving and proudly local business economy, while at the same time many of the people and entrepreneurs who occupy the boardrooms of Brum live here too.

“It’s proudly independent yet benefits from being just a few minutes away from the metropolitan buzz of Birmingham.

“Add to that its reputation as a desirable place to live, married with its truly unusual status as a ‘Royal Town’ and it’s clear that Sutton has a USP that other places might envy, along with serious business pedigree.

“But, while Sutton is a great place to do business, firms here are facing the same challenges found elsewhere – from rising costs and skills gaps to the impact of online commerce. No business is immune to these challenges.

“That’s why the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce is so valuable to the business community.

“I want to thank outgoing president Naeem Arif for an inspirational two years in office, which has seen the Chamber go from strength to strength.

“As I follow Naeem, my ambition is to raise the profile of the Chamber even higher, to attract more members – and ensure local businesses work together to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.”

Naeem Arif, who becomes honorary chair following his two-year term as president, said: “As I complete my two-year term as president, I do so with a mix of pride and gratitude. These have been testing times for many in business.

“Yet those of us still here continue to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and determination. That alone is worth celebrating.

“As I step into the honorary chair role, I’m delighted to pass the baton to Gary Phelps, a passionate advocate for our town.

“Alongside the new committee, he will steer us forward with exciting plans.”

Meanwhile, the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber also welcomed two new committee members, Charlotte Edwards from Edwards & Gray Estate Agents and Gurmeet Singla from Ficode Technologies.

Dan Sinton from BPG Gracechurch and Anita Ellis, founder of copywriting agency Lexicomm, were thanked at the AGM after completing their terms on the committee.

Pictured: From left – Shaun Cremins, Gary Phelps, Kate Curry and Naeem Arif