WATCH: 'In Conversation' with Solihull and ABCC presidents
Presidents of the Solihull Chamber and Asian Business Chambers of Commerce (ABCC), Tony Elvin and Dr Jason Wouhra, outlined the progressive aims for their respective tenures at an event this week, writes Claudia Congrave.
The 'In Conversation ' event kicked off the Solihull-focused week of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce 's Festival of Business campaign, which is running throughout June.
During the Q&A session, led by director of the ABCC, Anjum Khan, the presidents discussed the defining moments within their career journeys and how they hope to shape the communities they serve within their presidencies.
As current general manager at Touchwood Shopping Centre, Tony Elvin has a rich and varied background in hospitality and a history of operating health clubs, restaurants and hotels, most recently Hotel du Vin in Birmingham.
Tony is also an active ambassador for the region, not only as president of the Solihull Chambers of Commerce, but also as deputy chair of the Solihull Business Improvement District (BID), board member for the Midlands Retail and Hospitality Forum and also as the owner of a successful wine events business.
With local business at the heart of all he does, Tony Elvin told attendees of his plans to make a real difference throughout his time as Solihull Chamber president.
He said: “I don 't want to have two years where we trickle along and much stays the same. We have a great team within the Chamber and have all the tools to create some great things for our local community.
“On the top of the agenda is making sure there are enough opportunities for our young people and making up for the impact of the pandemic on their futures.
“Next is sustainability, which our previous president Robert Elliot already began building on. There is also an event later on in the week which will discuss much more about where our focus lies with that and what we intend to do.
“I 'd also really like to review our constitution on diversity and inclusion. If there 's a legacy I 'd like to leave behind after my presidency it 's that we are a diverse team moving forward and that everyone is represented equally. ”
Speaking on his plans to continue the representation of the Asian business community was Dr Jason Wouhra (pictured).
Jason joined family firm East End Foods after completing his law degree in 1998.
He was director and company secretary of the firm until its sale to private equity in 2019, recently re-purchasing the wholesale division in order to build on the company 's strong heritage.
Jason has also recently established a new company Lioncroft Wholesale Limited.
Alongside his presidency of the ABCC, Jason holds a number of prominent positions including his recent appointment to the board of governors at Aston University and as non-executive director of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.
On his tenure as president of the ABCC, Jason said: “The aim of my presidency is to take the representation of the ABCC further and move forward in nationalising the brand. There are so many great, Asian-owned businesses across the country that need our support.
“As well as that, I 'd love to place the focus on mentoring and keep coaching the younger business people who are coming through and will ultimately shape the future of our businesses. ”
Having both felt the impacts of the pandemic on their own businesses during this time, Jason and Tony also provided some words of wisdom for those people thinking of creating their own opportunities.
Tony said: “I would urge people to take the plunge. Start the business; take on the extra office space- now is the time! Touchwood is already providing more lettings to independent businesses and I think the last year has shown us that we want to see more from these kinds of brands. ”
Jason added: “You really have to be ready for a few knocks, but also you need to be resilient and strong. You have to have a clear vision in order to achieve and if you put the work in, you will see the results. ”