Solihull firms prove they 're 'back and ready to do business '
Businesses in Solihull proved they 're putting the 'buzz ' back in business this week as they gathered at the Solihull Chamber of Commerce 's Summer Expo to showcase what it is that they do best.
The Expo, sponsored and hosted by voco St John 's Hotel, welcomed over 50 local businesses to set up shop for the day and present their offerings, as well as network and catch up following the Expo 's hiatus during the pandemic.
Speaking on the event 's return, Tony Elvin, general manager at Touchwood and president of Solihull Chamber, said: “I 've been blown away today by the sheer volume of people attending the Expo. There 's been an incredible pick up on stands for people showcasing their businesses, but of course that doesn 't really work unless you have delegates attending, and we 've been over the moon with the attendance.
“There 's a great buzz clearly, and people want to get back out there again, they 're ready to do business and it really is great to be back. ”
Tony Rostill, account manager at runyourfleet, said “We 're excited to be here at the Expo and to be developing our relationships with businesses in Solihull. It 's good to be back in a room full of people again, there are lots of great companies here and it 's already been an incredibly positive event. ”
Integrated into the exhibition programme was also a series of seminars, including the launch of the Solihull Economic Snapshot 2022 report and a lesson on cybercrime led by Jim Gee, national head of forensic service for Crow UK LLP.
Sitting on the panel to discuss the findings of the Solihull Economic Snapshot were Karen Grinsell, deputy leader of Solihull Council, Kim Hulse from Visit Knowle, Kevin Johns, director of Prime Accountants and Andy Cole MBE, director of Property Partnerships and Media at NEC Group.
The sentiment was that Solihull remains a thriving hub for business- rich in skills, talent, opportunity, commercial potential, and ambitious net-zero aims.
Listen to the Chamber Podcast for an in-depth look at the report 's findings.
And for leading businesses such as the NEC, they are now 'as busy now as they 've ever been ', pushing towards capacity and making big strides for the region in introducing Europe 's largest EV charging station.
As far as opportunities open to businesses, panellists repeatedly touched on the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the UK Central Hub, and HS2. And Karen Grinsell was quick to remind delegates that the spotlight is most certainly theirs to take: “The Games are not all about Birmingham, it 's Solihull too. It 's a chance to build our reputation and make the most of an incredible 11 days of activity. ”
Echoing her sentiments, Mr Cole described the Commonwealth Games as a 'shop window ' to everything else Solihull has to offer.
Relating back to the inequalities found in the north of the borough, Mr Cole said: “Don 't take the risk of seeing Solihull as just a town centre. We shouldn 't forget about engaging all areas of the borough and tapping into their offerings. ”
Many attendees and panellists found common ground during the discussion, many of them having relocated to Solihull from various corners of the UK.
When asked what makes Solihull the place to be, panellists agreed that the four pillars- workforce, lifestyle, connectivity, and opportunity, are what makes the Borough so attractive.
The advice was clear for those considering the area as a place to live and do business: “Come and see for yourself - it 's not a hard sell! ”, said Kevin Johns.
Pictured: Andy Cole, director of Property Partnerships and Media at NEC Group,Kim Hulse from Visit Knowle, Karen Grinsell, deputy leader of Solihull Council, and Kevin Johns, director of Prime Accountants.