Solihull Chamber announces two vice presidents during AGM
The Solihull Chamber of Commerce held the Annual General Meeting today, where two vice presidents were elected to join the executive committee.
Louise Dunn Co-founder of The Recruitment Duo and Steve Whitmarsh, CEO of runyourfleet will join current vice president Kim Hulse as the new vice presidents.
Emma Louise Hewitt will continue as President for the second year running.
The new executive member committee are as follows:
- Becci Fox - projects and partnerships manager, Colebridge Trust
- Kevin Johns – director, Prime Accountants
- Tony Elvin – general manager, Touchwood
- Eileen Schofield – founder/owner, Schofield and Associates
- Neil Bayliss – director, Hubtel IT
- Phil Webb – CEO, Vu Agency
- Lynsey Kitching – co-founder/director, CAPE People Development
- Nancy Buckley – vice principal, Solihull College and University Centre
- Rob Wells – COO, Sport 4 Life UK
- Uko Umotong – co-founder/director, UB Healthcare
They will join existing committee members Amanda Holden, Jas Rohel, Mark Wilson, Pauline Clarke and Susie Ankrett.
Since co-founding The Recruitment Duo in October 2021, Louise Dunn has imparted valuable market knowledge and guided 45 businesses to successfully recruit and retain talent for over 200 placements.
She has honed a wealth of knowledge regarding businesses in the Solihull and surrounding area, and her expertise is regularly called upon by businesses particularly in the IT/Telecomms, Education, Property/Housing, Engineering, Fleet and Professional Services industry sectors.
Steve Whitmarsh is the CEO and coâfounder of Multifleet Vehicle Management (trading as runyourfleet), the Midlands’ largest fleet management business by volume.
Beginning his career as a technician apprentice at Rover Cars before moving to Land Rover, he became the company’s youngest-ever production manager at just 22, leading a team of 220 people across four production lines.
Across the following decades, Steve built a diverse career spanning senior roles at Land Rover, Volvo, and the RAC, gaining deep expertise across manufacturing, leasing, rental, and fleet operations.
In 2011, driven by a desire to better serve SME fleets, he launched runyourfleet with a small team and local investor backing. Under his leadership, the business has grown to manage more than 32,000 vehicles nationwide and achieved an £18m turnover, earning a King’s Award for Enterprise for its innovative platform.
Samantha Frampton, Head of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Solihull AGM is an opportunity for me to share our achievements over the last 12 months and to give my sincere gratitude and thanks to our Executive Committee, whose dedication, guidance, and hard work behind the scenes ensure that we continue to deliver meaningful value to our members and represent the interests of our business community effectively.
“Today is also about welcoming and meeting for the first time the Solihull Executive Committee of 2026.”
Emma-Louise Hewitt, President of the Solihull Chamber of Commerce, said: “As we mark another successful Solihull Chamber AGM today, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Vice Presidents for their dedication, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the Chamber.
“Their contributions have helped shape a remarkable year of progress and collaboration.
“I am equally delighted to welcome our newly appointed Vice Presidents and the new members of our Executive Committee; your expertise and fresh perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to champion and support the Solihull business community.
“My sincere thanks also go to the entirety of Executive Committee and to Samantha Frampton for the exceptional support, energy, and commitment shown over the past 12 months.
“Together, we have built strong foundations, and I look forward to what the next year holds for our Chamber and its members.”
Pictured from left to right: Jas Rohel, Becci Fox, Rob Wells, Kevin Johns, Lynsey Kitching, Eileen Schofield, Amanda Holden, Steve Whitmarsh, Emma-Louise Hewitt, Samantha Frampton, Kim Hulse, Phil Webb, Louise Dunn, Uko Umotong, Nancy Buckley, Pauline Clarke, and Tony Elvin
