My pride in Chamber 's commitment to members - chairman
The whole Chamber team have demonstrated a determination to keep their commitment to members and customers at the heart what they do, David Waller (pictured), chairman of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), told today 's annual meeting at the Radisson Blu in central Birmingham.
He added that the year 2020-21 was like no other in the Chamber 's 208-year history and added: “Despite the considerable trials visited upon us by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Chamber has come through as a business force for good and a consistent friend to its members and many others.
“I 'm proud of this achievement and particularly pleased that despite all of the negative issues we ended the year with an £80,000 surplus after tax. This really is a testament to the whole Chamber team, who have demonstrated a determination to keep our commitment to members and customers at the heart of everything we do.
“And nothing epitomises that more than our documentation team, who have maintained a continual presence at Chamber headquarters in Edgbaston throughout the Covid-19 crisis.
“During the year we underwent a change of chief executive with Paul Faulkner moving on after an exciting and transformational period in which he also spearheaded the sale of Chamber House. I am particularly proud that Henrietta Brealey, our youngest ever chief executive, has stepped into Paul 's shoes so ably.
“I know she will continue to develop the Chamber 's future robustly and ensure that we remain the voice of business throughout the region.
“Steve Allen 's period of office became an experience beyond anything he could have imagined thanks, again, to the coronavirus pandemic. However, he has held everything together even though I am sure he would have preferred to host many events personally rather than virtually.
“At today 's meeting we welcomed Deb Leary as his successor and I 'm sure she will conduct her term of office with the same forensic approach that she applies to her business.
“And I am delighted that the board has been further strengthened with the appointment of Suzy Verma, HSBC UK 's head of business development, corporate banks, Midland region along with Karl George from The Governance Forum and Mandy Haque, International Director at the Chamber.
“Finally, a huge thank you to our members who have supported us through one of the most difficult years in our history. ”
Outgoing president Steve Allen said: “I know that my successor Deb Leary will be an amazing President and with the legendary businessman Nasir Awan as her vice-president, the Chamber can look to a bright future.
“Thank you for your support during my term of office and I greatly look forward to continuing my association with the Chamber - and to seeing you all in person again. ”
Henrietta Brealey said: 2020-2021 will certainly be a year for the history books. Between a global pandemic and the biggest change to the UK 's political and trading relationships in a generation - Brexit, the challenges and headwinds were intense. But so too was the strength of the resolve of the local business community.
“I could not be prouder of the response of the Chamber team who quickly activated campaigns and programmes of support, using our colleagues ' expertise and working with partners to connect and support local businesses.
“I 'd like to thank our previous CEO Paul Faulkner, the Chamber executive team and all 82 colleagues that make up Team Chamber for their dedication during this time. While we are an independent business ourselves, our first priority was always, and remains, making a difference to the business communities we serve through the mantra “keep business moving. ”