ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Looking forward to the next 12 months
2025/26
WELCOME
TO THE
ROYAL SUTTON COLDFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
y pe remarkable growth in our first decade, with more than 100 members and growing attendances at events.
The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield is a vibrant and diverse business hub, attracting young talent and becoming one of the most desirable places to work and live.
We provide excellent networking opportunities and work closely with the Town Council to ensure that your business interests are heard and prioritised.
As the leading organisation for business, Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber is here to connect, support and grow businesses of all sectors. We’re here to help you thrive. Join us today to achieve great things for your business!
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
BEPARTOFSOMETHINGBIGGER.AsaChambermember,youare
partofavibrantbusinesscommunity,acollectivethathavebeen championingbusinessunwaveringly-championsforlocalbusinesses since1813.
BUILDYOURKNOWLEDGEANDNETWORK.throughourinspirational programmeofworkshops,events,campaigns,ourconnectionsand resources.
BOOSTYOURPROFILE.Showcaseyourbusinessthroughourextensive newsandsocialmediaplatforms,directoryandmember-to-member offers.
BENEFITFROMSAVINGS.AccesstoarangeofChamber,partnerand memberdiscountstohelpyourbusinessmanagecosts.
Membershipstartsfromaslittleas£300+VATperyearandweoffer
STATISTICS
The Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce has 82 members
Over 1961 subscribers receive our weekly newsletter
Over 200 delegates attended Royal Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Awards in January 2025
Over 200 delegates attend the Royal Business Fair 2025
788 delegates registered to attend events in Royal Sutton Coldfield in the last 12 months
TESTIMONIALS
VANESSA HARRISON
Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee Member
I've been a member of the Chambers of Commerce for almost as long as I've been running my own business, so around 8 years! I've had the pleasure of providing flowers for a number of their events and have had some great opportunities come through the networking I've done with the chambers. The unique thing about the chambers is the variety of events they run, which are held at different times of the day to suit different people.
They offer educational sessions alongside the networking, which are insightful and provide a number of other valuable services to help and support businesses along their journey. It's nice to see support for all sizes of businesses and I've met many people making some great and long-lasting connections. There's often good food provided at their events as well, which is always a bonus!
KARL ROWNTREE
Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee Member
I have very much enjoyed my time representing local business’s since joining the Sutton Coldfield Executive Committee. 12 months on, I have strengthened my network of contacts, supported positive change within the Chamber and enjoyed sharing my experience of running our business with the Sutton Coldfield community. We are all stronger together!
ROYAL SUTTON COLDFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHARITY OF THE YEAR
The Cancer Support Centre (CSC) in Sutton Coldfield provides trusted, compassionate support for anyone affected by cancer—patients, carers, and loved ones alike. We are proud to offer a calm, welcoming space where individuals can access holistic care tailored to their personal needs, alongside the medical treatment they receive elsewhere.
Shaped by the experiences and feedback of our clients and volunteers, our approach goes beyond the clinical. While hospitals focus on treating the body, we focus on nurturing the mind and spirit—offering therapies, emotional support, and coping techniques that help people take back a sense of control during an overwhelming time. Whether someone is newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, living with a terminal illness, or adjusting to life after cancer, we are here to help.
Our work would not be possible without the incredible support of our local community and fundraising partners. We’re especially grateful to the many individuals and organisations who have backed us year after year—those who’ve joined the annual charity cricket match organised by Naeem Arif at Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club, taken part in our Golf Day at Walmley Golf Club, supported our quiz nights and race nights, or run the Royal Sutton Fun Run. Special thanks go to our amazing supporters including Specsavers, Andy Perks, Masterplan Wealth, and the unstoppable Rotospa team—who even pushed a hot tub around the entire 8.5mile course!
Find out more Visit the website: www.cancersupportcentre.org
Email Brian: Brian.Davies@cancersupportcentre.org
SLTC AWARDS 2025 WINNERS
Awarded to Lisa Martinelli & Tina Swani Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust
Awarded to Hannah Montgomery, Grace Cares & Golddust Marketing
Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce President’s Award
Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber of Commerce President’s Award
SLTC Entrepreneur of the Year Award Awarded to Philip Arkinstall, Ark Media Group
SLTC Entrepreneur of the year Award
Awarded to John Fogarty, JPF First Aid
SLTC Young Professional of the Year Award, Awarded to Abbey Ricketts, Adams Moore Accountants and Business Advisors
Cannock Chase Small Business of the Year Award Awarded to Techcare
SLTC Large Business of the Year Award Awarded to 3D Facilities Support Ltd
SLTC Community Impact Award Awarded to Community Together CIC
Tamworth Small Business of the Year Award Awarded to Embello
Royal Sutton Coldfield Small Business of the Year Award Awarded to RotoSpa Ltd
Lichfield Small Business of the Year Award, Awarded to The Listening Centre EAP Ltd
Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce President’s Award Awarded to Ben Bradley, Cosmik Carrot
ROYAL BUSINESS FAIR 2025
Headline Sponsor Session Sponsor
PRESIDENT FAREWELL
NAEEM ARIF
OUTGOING PRESIDENT, ROYAL SUTTON COLDFIELD CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
As I complete my two-year term as President, I do so with a mix of pride and gratitude. These have been testing times for many in business. Yet those of us still here continue to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and determination. That alone is worth celebrating. While 2025 presents ongoing uncertainty in the global economy, with regular news of closures and downsizing, I remain hopeful for success locally. A positive future is possible, but it won’t arrive by chance. We must be proactive, collaborative, and support each other. Buying, promoting, and championing local businesses remains critical and is always going to be the USP of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield.
This year’s two flagship events reflected our strong community spirit. The Royal Sutton Business Awards sold out once again, celebrating exceptional local talent. I urge every business to apply next year; the process is rewarding in itself and its not about winning, being a finalist is a huge achievement. Last week, our Royal Business Fair moved to a new venue —the Gracechurch Centre—boosting visibility and local engagement and we are still taking in feedback on this.
A standout event was our visit to the Houses of Parliament. Members had a chance to tour both houses, meet and ask questions of our MP Andrew Mitchell and network under sunny Westminster skies. Just this weekend, we held our annual charity cricket match in support of the Sutton Cancer Support Centre, at Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club. As our charity, we want to not only raise money for them, but also increase awareness of the important work they do in the community.
As I step into the Honorary Chair role, I’m delighted to pass the baton to Gary Phelps, a passionate advocate for our town. Alongside the new committee, he will steer us forward with exciting plans, which I am sure he will talk about himself. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Charlie Elliot and the chamber team for their hard work and of course, our Executive Committee. Whilst I chair the meetings, much of the hard work is done by these business owners who give their time, energy and passion, all for the betterment of our Royal Town. I would like to specifically call out Anita Ellis and Neil Davis for their incredible commitment and service as they complete their terms on the committee and move onto new challenges.
Always for Sutton Coldfield.
Naeem Arif
Outgoing President Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce
PRESIDENT WELCOME
GARY PHELPS
PRESIDENT, ROYAL SUTTON COLDFIELD CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
Sutton Coldfield is a special place – you could even call it unique.
Why? Because there are two Sutton Coldfields – the up-market suburb of the UK’s Second City, and the ancient Tudor town which retains a bit of a stubborn independent streak.
It’s home to a thriving and proudly local business economy, while at the same time many of the people and entrepreneurs who occupy the boardrooms of Brum live here too.
It’s proudly independent yet benefits from being just a few minutes away from the metropolitan buzz of Birmingham.
Add to that its reputation as a desirable place to live, married with its truly unusual status as a ‘Royal Town’ and it’s clear that Sutton has a USP that other places might envy, along with serious business pedigree.
But, while Sutton is a great place to do business, firms here are facing the same challenges found elsewhere – from rising costs and skills gaps to the impact of online commerce. No business is immune to these challenges.
That’s why the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce is so valuable to the business community. It provides a platform for local businesses to connect, access useful services, share experiences and pool their knowledge, to help improve trading conditions for everyone.
There are real opportunities here too; Sutton continues to attract big investors, the town centre is on the cusp of a new era, and in 2028 the Royal Town celebrates its 500 birthday. th
I want to thank outgoing President Naeem Arif for an inspirational two years in office, which has seen the Chamber go from strength to strength. As I follow Naeem, my ambition is to raise the profile of the Chamber even higher, to attract more members – and ensure local businesses work together to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.
MEET THE COMMITTEE
Dagen
JAZZ
Vanessa Harrison
Thank You
CHARLIE ELLIOTT
HEAD OF ROYAL SUTTON COLDFIELD AND LICHFIELD & TAMWORTH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
As we reflect on another remarkable year for the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every member, partner, and supporter. Your drive, collaboration and commitment to our local economy are what make this Chamber so dynamic and ambitious.
Since stepping into my role in May 2024, I’ve seen first-hand what makes Royal Sutton Coldfield so special: a business community that shows up, supports one another, and builds for the future.
I want to pay special tribute to our outgoing President, Naeem Arif, who concludes two years of exceptional service. Naeem has led with vision, integrity and a passion for people - bringing clarity, compassion and a collaborative spirit to everything he’s done. His legacy is one of strength, inclusion and innovation, and I’m grateful for the example he’s set and the guidance he’s given me as I’ve stepped into this role.
Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to welcome Gary Phelps as our new Chamber President. Gary brings energy, insight and a deep passion for our town’s future. Alongside him, we also warmly welcome Shaun Cremins as our new Vice President who will work alongside current Vice-President Kate Curry - both dedicated local leaders ready to roll up their sleeves and drive progress.
Together, with your support, we have a real opportunity to take this Chamber to the next level. Let’s keep building momentum, championing one another, and creating a Royal Sutton Coldfield business community that’s thriving, inclusive, and ready for the future.