President 's Column: Exciting times ahead...

I hope you are all keeping well. Exciting times here at Touchwood and across the Solihull Chamber with so much going on, writes Tony Elvin.

New at Touchwood

At Touchwood, Caf� Emporio Artari will be opening in the coming weeks where you can not only grab a cup of Italian coffee and slice of cake but also a glass of Prosecco and a slice of pizza. This really is a centrepiece venue that I 'm sure will quickly become a must visit destination for our visitors.

I would also urge you to seek out two other exciting new independent hospitality openings; Dirty Wild Wings and Alioli tapas y vino. Dirty Wild Wings has existed as a popular online delivery business for some time, but their kiosk in Touchwood will be their first physical store. Alioli, whilst also a first with their maiden opening taking place at Touchwood, features a team brimming with experience in authentic Spanish cuisine.

These three new independent eateries add to our existing collection of indy restaurants; Jamaya, Yakinori, Handmade Burger and Asha 's, all offering guests some fantastic options alongside more familiar trusted brands such as Wagamama, Nandos, Friday 's, Slug & Lettuce, Pizza Hut and Pizza Express.

What 's on at The Chamber

Across the Chamber, hot on the heels of our Speaker Breakfast on Presenting with Confidence last week and last night 's ever popular Pro Solihull Networking event at the Crowne Plaza, attention now turns to our Summer Expo at voco St John 's on 26 May. The expo is our first since the pandemic, is free to attend, £300 to exhibit for members and £330 for non-members.

I look forward to welcoming you to the Touchwood stand, but until then, see you at #SolihullHour on a Tuesday at 7pm.

Work Inspiration

The Solihull Chamber continues to support Work Inspiration opportunities for our region 's young people.

Current opportunities for Solihull Chamber businesses include:

• Hosting a work place trip for a local school
• Support with mock interviews online or in person
• Hosting either a half day am, pm or a full day virtual or face to face work experience opportunity. Dates can be discussed once we link the employer up with the school but it will be sometime in June/July before the schools break up.
• Work placements for year 10 or year 12 students

If you would like further information, feel free to check out the Careers Hub website: https://www.solihullforsuccess.com/Careers-Hub or contact the Solihull Careers Hub team at

lifeready@solihull.gov.uk or Hannah Lardner Employment and Skills Project Officer & Enterprise Coordinator hannah.lardner@solihull.gov.uk or call 07769243658.

Tony Elvin

General Manager, Touchwood

President, Solihull Chambers of Commerce