Insurance expert takes reins as Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber president

An insurance industry expert and respected business owner is the new president of the Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce.

Martin Hall (pictured), who has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance sector, is the managing director of his own firm M Hall Limited – a business established in 2022 to provide insurance market intelligence, mentoring and advocacy.

He was named as successor to outgoing president Fiona Rouse during the Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber’s AGM, which took place at Lichfield arts venue The Hub at St Mary’s.

During the AGM, new vice-presidents Emma-Jane Bisseker of Reach Peak Performance and Logan Khan from The Boss Partnership were also appointed.

Completing their terms as vice-presidents are Hannah Montgomery (Golddust Marketing/Grace Cares) and Julie Poppleton (Chase Terrace Academy).

Martin sits on the board of several small tech companies and chairs the music education charity Services for Education.

The Tamworth-born businessman is also chair of governors at a West Midlands dual entry primary school and an enterprise adviser to secondary schools.

Martin said: “As I step into this role, my focus is clear - to build on the legacy of my predecessors and ensure our Chamber continues to be a driving force for growth, innovation, and influence.

“Over the next two years, I want us to lean into the opportunities ahead - from HS2 and the rise of AI, to the evolving relationship between education and business.

“We must be ready to grow as the economy recovers, and we must ensure our local MPs hear and act on the needs of our businesses.

“I also see the impending reorganisation of local councils not as a challenge, but as a strategic opportunity - one where our Chamber can shape procurement, policy and support frameworks that truly reflect the ambitions of our members.

“Together, we will champion the value of Chamber membership, encourage member to member engagement, spotlight local success, and ensure Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber is the go-to place for business support and networking.”

Louise Flemming, CEO of The Hub at St Mary’s, has been appointed to the Chamber’s committee, while Clare Lubrano (Raphael Design), Paul Barnes (Cloud Accounting Support Services), Julie Poppleton (Chase Terrace Academy), Sharon McCormick (The Listening Centre) and Adam Gadsby (PI-Kem) are stepping down.

Fiona Rouse, who steps into the role of honorary chair after completing her three-year presidency, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to serve as president. When I started, I was still actively recovering from a life-changing illness, and my self-belief had taken a bruising.

“This role has given me renewed purpose and confidence, and I thank all members and the GBCC team for their support and acceptance.

“I hand over to Martin with immense confidence. The future of the Chamber is bright and I look forward to seeing what we all achieve next.”