Touchwood general manager named as Solihull Chamber president

General manager of Touchwood shopping centre, Tony Elvin, has been named as Solihull Chamber of Commerce 's new president.

Tony (pictured) has taken over the role from Robert Elliot, who served as president for two years.

As well as his role at Touchwood, Tony runs The Wine Events Company, is a champion for Cure Leukaemia, trustee for Birmingham Civic Society and deputy chair for Solihull Business Improvement District.

Before joining Touchwood, Tony served for six years as general manager of Hotel du Vin, based in Birmingham city centre.

Eileen Schofield, employment lawyer and principal at Schofield and Associates, was also appointed as vice-president of the Chamber, during its annual meeting held today.

It is the second senior Chamber role that Eileen currently holds, alongside her vice-presidential role at the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce.

She will support newly installed Solihull Chamber president, Tony Elvin, alongside the Chamber 's other serving vice-presidents, Mick Westman and Stuart Watson.

On his departure from the role, Robert said: “It has been an honour to serve our Chamber members as president. In handing office to Tony I wish him the very best of luck, strength and good health. One thing I urge of him, enjoy it.

“Tony has been a champion of Solihull and indeed our region for many years. I could not be prouder to be passing the Chamber presidency to Tony and would like to wish him, his vice-presidents, and all the members the best of luck, and good health.

“Tony joins a list of presidents that have helped guide Solihull Chamber through the good times and the bad. We face some challenges ahead and I could not think of a better champion of our area and a prouder ambassador for the Chamber. ”

Tony said: “I am very excited at the opportunity to pick up the baton from Robert Elliot as the next president of Solihull Chamber. Robert has held this position with care, sincerity, good humour and commitment. All values that I hope to emulate during my tenure.

“I am also very keen to continue Robert 's good work bringing business and education together, to provide work inspiration for our young people and as winners of several green awards at Touchwood, I 'm in a great place to continue Robert 's work with the Solihull Chamber EcoPledge. ”

“With the arrival of HS2 and the redevelopment of Solihull town centre on the horizon we have much to be excited for but it won 't be plain sailing in the meantime. Brexit and a recovery from the global pandemic ensure us of some choppy waters ahead but it is at times like these that we need the support of our Chambers and I look forward to doing what I can, with my team, to help those businesses in need around us. ”

Alongside Tony and Eileen 's appointments, seven business leaders were elected to serve on Chamber 's council.

Emma-Louise Hewitt, from Sydney Mitchell, John Callaghan, of Solihull College and University Centre, Kevin Johns, of Prime Accountants Group, Jas Rohel, of Solihull Radio, Brad Parkes, of Specsavers Solihull, Pauline Clarke, of St Basils and Tim Armitage, of Arup, will serve two-year terms on the Chamber 's council as executive committee members.

Additionally, Susie Ankrett, of Plum Personnel, Simon Hatton, of Rolls-Royce, Namrita Sharma, of Pink Spaghetti and Vijay Jogia, of Metro Bank Solihull, were co-opted onto the Chamber 's council. They will serve a one-year term as committee members.