University director with passion for business wins Chamber award

University director Mark Smith was the recipient of the President 's Medal for 2021 at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce annual meeting today.

It was awarded by Steve Allen in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Birmingham, the West Midlands and the wider business community over the past 30 years.

Mark is executive director of business and regional engagement at Aston University. He takes responsibility for all business engagement activities at the University and showcases the commercial benefits of working with Aston to business, professional and public sector organisations.

Mark (pictured) joined Aston from Birmingham City University where he was Director of Enterprise and Employability. Currently Vice President of the Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce, his career has involved working across government, regeneration and online education taking on big projects including establishing new airports and fostering enterprise in inner-city areas.

Steve Allen said: “Mark 's passion for the Chamber and driving business activity across the region has been evident for a number of years. From a Chamber point of view, Mark has made a significant contribution to the Chamber 's policy output via his role as a Chamber Council member and Aston University 's sponsorship of key campaigns such as Growth Through People and the Sustainable Business Series.

“His commitment to the Chamber is also demonstrated via Aston University 's patronage across the Commonwealth Chamber (of which Mark is Vice-President), Future Faces (Aston University are also Partners on the mini MBA Series) and the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce. In short, Mark is an incredible partner, ambassador and supporter with, for and of the Chamber with a genuine commitment to building partnerships and serving local industry. ”

Two business were recognised for their long-standing membership of the GBCC. The world-renowned City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) have been members for over 24 years.

And Indestructible Paint, whose core markets include primary aerospace and aeroengine protective coatings, have been members for over 40 years.