Looking out for each other is our greatest strength - president
After a rollercoaster couple of years, by comparison, 2022 has felt somewhat normal, writes Tony Elvin.
At a time of such political turmoil and amidst major world events and global tensions that might seem a strange thing to say. But, as we reflect on the past year when we have been able to meet and socialise together again without restriction it reminds us of what it is to be human, it reminds us of the value of family and friendship. I 'm not yet ready to take for granted the return of those freedoms.
This year has seen the start of the recovery for retail and hospitality, certainly here in Solihull, and along with it, the return of the Christmas Party. If you remember, it was a year ago when we 'd been hit with Omicron and were cancelling our plans again. It feels like a lot has changed in that time.
We had a great turnout for our President 's Drinks at Esabella 's where we were able to raise a glass together and raise some funds for our Charity of the Year, Solihull Life Opportunities. For me, hearing the SoLo team sing Christmas songs made it really feel like Christmas was on the way.
Well, Christmas is really upon us now and I would like to thank you all for your support over the past year and re-commit our pledge to you, as your local business support network, to stand with you in facing the many challenges that lie ahead over this coming year.
Looking out for each other during difficult times must be the greatest strength of any network, whether among your family, your circle of friends or among your peers.
The Chamber aims to do just that through our collective of like-minded businesspeople that come together, to support each other in rising to face whatever is thrown our way. If you have a challenge in your business, there is every chance that one of your Chamber colleagues has faced something like it and maybe beaten it before or might have a new solution. So, make use of the Chamber hive mind, Connect with us, let us Support you and let us Grow together.
Looking ahead to the new year, many of us find January difficult. After the euphoria of Christmas, it 's a long month, it 's a cold month and this seems to culminate with what has been dubbed Blue Monday. This year that falls on 16 January and again, the Chamber want to do something about it. This Blue Monday we will again host our popular January Wellness Speaker Event where you can pick up practical wellness advice for you and your teams. This event is free to attend of £50 per person for non-members - find out more information.
The 16 January will also see us launch our '5 for 5 ' fitness fundraiser, where we 'll be raising vital funds for SoLo again and we 'd love for you to join us. Our challenge for you is to run, walk, swim or row, 5k for five days. You have from 16 January until the end of the month to complete the challenge, helping you to release some endorphins whilst raising cash for SoLo through sponsorship. The perfect time to get back on track with your couch to 5k in the meantime!
On behalf of our fantastic head of Chamber, Samantha Frampton, our Chamber exec, vice presidents, the wider Chamber team and I, may we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Tony Elvin is president of Solihull Chamber of Commerce and general manager of Touchwood