Recruitment boss appointed to Chamber Council

The chair of a well-known Midlands recruitment organisation has been appointed to Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s council.

Carmen Watson (pictured), chairperson of the Meriden-based Pertemps Network Group, is to take up a position on Chamber Council – the group of influential figures from the region’s business community who help to shape the GBCC’s policy priorities and objectives. 

She has more than 30 years’ experience in recruitment and is responsible for promoting and delivering best practice in the field of attraction, recruitment and retention of talent on behalf of clients ranging from SMEs to Blue Chip organisations, servicing both the public and private sectors across the UK. 

A strong advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, she is also a member of the Business in the Community Race for Opportunity Leadership Team, is a Foundation Committee Member of City & Guilds and Advancement Board Member of Aston University. 

Carmen received an Honorary Doctorate from Aston University in 2021 and is a Doctor of Business Administration. 

In April 2023, she was appointed Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands.

Carmen said: “It is a great honour to join this council and to be working with such esteemed fellow council members.

“I am passionate about attraction, selection and recruitment of talent to support sustainability and growth of our employers in the region. 

“It is clear to me that the Chamber’s work can help unleash the full potential of organisations in the Greater Birmingham area and being on board, with such an interesting year ahead, I feel sure there will be plenty of opportunities for West Midlands enterprises and the Chamber to collaborate.  

“I am excited to be part of this.”

Henrietta Brealey, CEO of the GBCC, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Carmen to our Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Chamber Council.

"In many ways, our Council is like the conscience of the Chamber. It’s made up of elected and appointed representatives of Chamber members who set our campaigns and stakeholder engagement priorities and provide valuable insight and steer throughout the year on high Chamber profile activity.

“Carmen is an exceptional business leader who will bring a highly valuable perspective to this influential group.”