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FOREWORD

GREG LOWSON

Chair of the Board,

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

It is my pleasure to introduce the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce annual report for 2024/25.

I am without Henrietta today, but I am supported by joint acting CEO’s Helen and Raj who are doing a sterling job covering Henrietta’s maternity leave. We look forward to welcoming her back next March.

The Chamber continues to fulfil its mission of creating a business community where members have the opportunity to connect and learn from one another, seen in the wide range of events hosted. This year, 9,042 delegates attended over 180 Chamber events. From networking events and training courses, to leveraging business insight from roundtable discussions, and to flagship events like Brumbassadors, the Chamber uses its position to generate a network where businesses support one another to grow.

Another key tenet – representing members at the heart of regional stakeholder decision making –has been particularly salient in the past 12 months. Long-term partnerships forged with the West Midlands Combined Authority and local authorities across the region have proved to be of strategic importance in the face of geopolitical challenges. Chamber-led research and lobbying has driven rapid evidence-based decision making at a regional and national level; the Chamber’s agility and ability to mobilise business insight makes it an essential partner for policymakers.

The purpose-driven external activities of the Chamber have been financially supported in particular by the successful performance of the Export Documentation team and grant-funded projects over the past year.

Total income for the year was £8,577,000, up 13% on the previous year, creating a surplus of £355,000.

To sustain this growth, the Chamber has a 5-year strategic plan to grow membership and diversify income sources via commercial services and public funded programmes. As a not for profit, we are reinvesting this in the business, particularly in better systems, to ensure that we remain fit to face current and future business challenges.

The past year has also seen the creation of an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Group, run by employee-volunteers, designed to embed sustainability, social responsibility and strong governance into the Chamber’s operations. The Group has already achieved Bronze CSR Accreditation and will aim for Silver at the next accreditation in two years.

I’d like to thank Nasir Awan as outgoing President for his service in the role. Nasir’s active approach to his Presidency has seen him lead trade missions in South Asia as part of the UK-funded SheTrades programme, as well as hosting visiting ambassadorial missions for Birmingham.

I’d also like to welcome Andy Dawson as the incoming President. Andy has been a long-term supporter of the Chamber and will no doubt be keen to hit the ground running.

Finally, I’d like to thank all of our members for their continued support and for their positive engagement and enthusiasm, and their Chamber Team for their work behind the scenes. Having just completed my first three-year term at Chair, I look forward to the next year three years.

OUR COMMITMENT TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY:

OUR WHY AND HOW:

We’re in business, for business. As a private sector not-for-profit, our mission, vision and values are at the heart of what we do, why and how we do it.

OUR MISSION:

We are on a mission to Connect, Support and Grow local businesses.

OUR VISION AND PURPOSE:

We do it because we care about the people and places that we represent. We believe that thriving businesses are the core of a vibrant community. Our ultimate vision and purpose is to make Greater Birmingham the best place to work and do business.

OUR VALUES:

Our values reflect who we are and what we stand for; shaping our work ethic, defining our organisational culture and guiding our interactions with everyone we engage with: we care, we are curious, we make a difference, and we are a partner.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 2024/25

• Total income for the year was £8.58 million, up 15% on the previous year, which generated an operating surplus of £482,000

• 79% of our income in 2024/25 was self-generated and 21% was from public funded activity

The Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) is the legal entity which operates under the name of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. The Operating Surplus for 2024/25 of £482,000 compares to £7,000 for 2023/24.

The pension fund movements in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the year are £nil as the fund is in surplus and the actuarial change cannot be recognised. With a deferred tax charge of £127,000 this results in a surplus for the year of £355,000 (2024: deficit of £13,000).

Total reserves therefore increase to £2,854,000 (2023: £2,499,000) and net current assets in the year are £2,854,000 (2023: £1,964,000).

BCCI is a not for profit organisation and has to make surpluses to generate cash flow and maintain its working capital. The operating surpluses over the last few years have come from membership and patron subscriptions, international documentation services, public funded innovation and business growth projects and a range of other commercial services. This ensures a sustainable business model based on self generated income streams, less dependent on any single aspect of the business.

We draw members’ attention to the ESG statement in the audited accounts which highlights our achievements and plans for sustainability, inclusivity and responsible business.

Turnover on Export Documentation continues to increase with high volumes of activity and word of mouth recommendations. The contract with Innovate UK, which helps ambitious small & medium sized innovative companies grow and scale their business, continues to go from strength to strength and the Programmes team successfully bid in 2024 for a number of short-term contracts which contributed to the year-end surplus.

At 31 March 2024 the total number of members was 2,419 and at 31 March 2025 it was 2,294, a decrease of 5%, although average values have increased.

BCCI’s new 5-year business plan which started in April 2025 will focus heavily on achieving growth in membership numbers and on the offer for members. We continue to seek ways to support our member businesses and other customers with the ambition to achieve growth in the longer term.

There were significant costs in the prior year related to the exit from Chamber House, which impacted on the surplus, and ongoing investments in digital transformation & cyber security continue to be the main areas of capital investment in the current year and looking ahead.

The Pension Fund surplus is unrecognised in these accounts, but the Directors of BCCI last year confirmed completion of a buy-in transaction with Just Group in October 2024. BCCI’s annual contributions to the scheme ceased in September 2020 and the Pension Fund Trustee intends to wind-up and buy-out all Fund benefits in the near future, albeit with some delay due to insurer capacity.

Directors were pleased to report a healthy operating surplus in 2025, and the outlook for the future is positive.

PRESIDENT’S STATEMENT

DR NASIR AWAN MBE DL

President, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

As my two years as President of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce come to an end, and I hand over to Andy Dawson, it is with immense pride and gratitude that I reflect on the journey we have taken together.

Every President brings with them a theme which captures their ambitions for the Chamber. As an international businessman, my theme was always going to be ‘international’. I have relished the opportunity to spread Birmingham’s message globally.

While we have always been excellent hosts to international delegations, I felt that we needed to be more proactive in taking Birmingham out into the world. This led to a series of successful trade missions. Our visit to Pakistan proved a remarkable success, opening doors and igniting new relationships. So significant was its impact that the International Trade Centre in Geneva asked me to support and help shape future missions, even offering to fund them.

Rwanda followed, again with great success, and then Kenya – where we were joined by business leaders from seven other African nations, including South Africa, Mauritius and Gambia. These trade missions helped to bring Birmingham into the spotlight in countries where the city was largely unknown. Wherever we went, I also ensured that we engaged with the Chambers in that region.

Speaking of putting our city-region on the map, it’s been a great pleasure to support Cure Leukaemia –a Birmingham charity that is making a global impact.

As my nominated President’s Charity, we’ve been able to help raise awareness and vital funds as they lead the fight against a horrible, life-threatening illness which is affecting people around the world.

While my time as President is coming to an end, I will carry on flying the flag for the Chamber and for Birmingham.

Looking at the President’s board at the Chamber’s headquarters, you see the names of some of the great business leaders from our region going back to 1813. To see my name listed among them and to contribute a small chapter to that 212-year history is something I’m immensely proud of.

Our Chamber has stood for more than two centuries as a powerful voice for business and a pillar of our regional economy. That heritage speaks for itself, and we should all take pride in being part of it. Thank you for the trust you placed in me, and for the privilege of serving as your President.

As an international businessman, my theme was always going to be ‘international’. I have relished the opportunity to spread Birmingham’s message globally.

PRESIDENT’S AWARD 2025

DR JASON WOUHRA MBE Recipient of the 2025 President’s Award

Jason is Chief Executive Officer of Lioncroft Wholesale, one of the UK’s leading independent wholesale businesses, which supplies more than 10,000 independent retail and hospitality businesses in the West Midlands.

Prior to Lioncroft Wholesale, Jason was a director of his family-owned business East End Foods plc, one of Europe’s most successful Asian food ingredient businesses. East End Foods was sold in 2019 to private equity. During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Jason bought back the wholesale arm of the business and relaunched it as Lioncroft Wholesale.

Jason is also Chancellor of Aston University, having been appointed to the role in 2024. Jason is proud to be the first Chancellor of Asian heritage to serve, in addition to being the youngest in Aston University’s history.

In July 2025, in his role as Chancellor of Aston University, Jason had the once-in-a-lifetime privilege of conferring an MBA qualification upon his father, Jasbir Wouhra.

Jason has also held numerous prominent positions including non-executive director of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.

He takes great pride in mentorship and advisory roles and is also involved in philanthropic work in the city and the wider region, including his patronage of Acorns Children’s Hospice charity since 2018.

In 2023, he and his family launched the Lioncroft Foundation to support good causes locally and across the world, including the funding of a brand new research fellowship into neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer.

Dr Nasir Awan MBE DL, President of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “I am honoured to present the final President’s Award of my term to Jason Wouhra. Jason embodies what it means to be a true champion of the local business community – ambitious, generous with his time, and deeply committed to Birmingham and its people. Under his leadership, Lioncroft Wholesale has not only grown as a thriving enterprise but has also demonstrated how business success and community impact can go hand in hand. Jason’s passion for supporting others, his drive to see our region prosper, and his unwavering belief in collaboration make him an outstanding role model for business leaders across the city. It is an honour to recognise his remarkable contribution and celebrate the difference he continues to make.”

LONGSTANDING MEMBER AWARD RECIPIENTS

ARTHUR PRICE 19 YEARS

Concorde, Titanic, the Savoy Hotel, Royal families, heads of state, famous actors… the list of iconic transport, brands and people who use Arthur Price is what makes this British, family-owned firm a byword for quality cutlery across the globe.

Arthur Price was started on 3rd October 1902 in a small terrace house with no electricity in Aston, Birmingham. Still 100% family-owned, it is currently managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Price family – Simon and his son James, and 2025 marks the 123rd anniversary of the company’s founding.

The company designs and produces the most extensive range of cutlery and gifts in the UK, and their customers stretch far and wide. Over the years the company has received two Royal Warrants and are proud to continuously supply the World’s most famous restaurants and hotels. More recently it has expanded its range to include everyday items which has led to significant expansion across the globe.

The Birmingham and Sheffield factories produce cutlery and holloware while the Lichfield headquarters is the centre for sales, distribution and administration. A fun fact is that the Arthur Price Factory Shop in Lichfield is the location of the UK’s biggest cutlery shop.

GATELEY 38 YEARS

Gateley is a leading professional services group with a proud heritage and a forward-looking approach. Founded in Birmingham, Gateley has grown into a national name with offices across the UK and internationally, supporting clients of all sizes and sectors.

Bringing together legal expertise with complementary consultancy services, Gateley helps businesses and individuals achieve their goals with practical, commercial advice. Their work spans corporate, real estate, employment, private wealth and many other areas, all delivered with a focus on clarity and collaboration.

As the first UK commercial law firm to list on the London Stock Exchange, Gateley has always been guided by innovation and ambition. The business remains committed to its people, its clients and its communities and these values that continue to shape its success.

INCOMING PRESIDENT’S STATEMENT

ANDY DAWSON

Chamber Council Member, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

It is an honour to take on the role of President of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, an organisation that plays such an integral part in supporting and representing our region’s business community.

Since Curium Solutions first became members in 2016, I have seen first-hand the power of the Chamber to bring people together, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change across the region.

In preparing for this new role, I took time to speak with several past Presidents whose experience and insights have been invaluable. Each one described the privilege of serving this diverse and dynamic business community, and their reflections have helped shape my approach to the presidency. This is a position of stewardship, an opportunity to build on the Chamber’s proud legacy and set a strong foundation for my successor, Carmen Watson, when she takes on the role.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Nasir Awan for his exceptional leadership and his unwavering commitment to championing small businesses and international trade. His work has had a lasting impact on the region and provides a strong platform for the next phase of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce’s journey. I am grateful for his support and the example he has set and look forward to working with him.

During my tenure, I will focus on two key themes that I believe are important to our region’s future.

The first is supporting our veteran community. Having worked closely with members of the armed forces, I have witnessed both their remarkable resilience and the challenges they face as they transition into civilian life. With Birmingham set to host the Invictus Games in 2027, we have a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on their achievements, strengthen our support networks, and celebrate their contribution to society.

The second focus area is the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence and technology in the workplace. AI is already reshaping the way we live and work, and while it brings huge potential to enhance productivity and innovation, it also presents challenges we must be ready to face. I want to ensure that businesses across Greater Birmingham, particularly SMEs, have the tools, knowledge and confidence to embrace these technologies responsibly and effectively. By working together as a community, we can maximise the benefits and minimise the risks of this transformational shift.

I look forward to collaborating with Vice President Carmen Watson, our Chief Executive Henrietta Brealey, the Chamber team, and our members, patrons and partners. Together, we will continue to champion the businesses that make this region thrive. I am deeply grateful to my colleagues at Curium Solutions for their continued encouragement and support, and I am proud to represent such a vibrant, ambitious and forwardthinking community

CONNECT:

9,042 delegates attended c.180 events

Our team have facilitated 170 media appearances in 30 different broadcast, online and print media outlets

1,079 respondents completed our Quarterly Business Report surveys

26,529 trade documents issued by our International Hub

1,035,758 words translated in 244 language combinations

Relationship Managers and Divisional Leads had over 4,867 phone calls and appointments with members

SUPPORT: GROW:

899 personal introductions made by Relationship Managers and Division Leads for members

906,607 page views by 210,909 users on our website

Over 2,500 articles shared in Greater Birmingham Business News

ACTING DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S STATEMENT

RAJ KANDOLA

Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Over the past year, against a backdrop of political change and economic uncertainty, the Chambers have remained focused on one clear goal: ensuring that Greater Birmingham and the wider West Midlands remain a driving force for UK growth.

Following last year’s general election, the new Government set out its stall around growth, renewal and partnership. Much of what we called for through the Business Commission West Midlands has started to take shape – from progress on a national industrial strategy and new investment in innovation, to reforms in planning and skills at the regional level as we saw reflected in the Mayor’s Plan for Growth. However, the job is far from done. To unlock the country’s full potential, the UK needs an environment where businesses can confidently invest, hire and export – and that means a renewed focus on delivery, devolution, and competitiveness.

We continue to champion that message at every level. Our engagement with ministers, MPs and regional partners ensures that the voice of local business is heard where it matters most. The Chamber network remains a trusted, evidence-based advocate for enterprise, growth and inclusive prosperity.

At the same time, our core mission remains unchanged: to Connect, Support and Grow businesses across Greater Birmingham.

Over the past year, we have helped thousands of members access advice, training and savings; supported firms to trade internationally; and provided up-to-date insight on the rapidly changing policy and economic landscape.

Connection remains at the heart of what we do. Through our digital platforms, relationship managers and events programme – over 200 events for more than 9,000 delegates each year – we continue to create opportunities for collaboration, learning and growth. From specialist sector roundtables to our flagship Chamber Awards, it has been inspiring to see members building partnerships and expanding their horizons.

As we look ahead, we do so with optimism and determination. Whatever challenges or changes may come, the Chambers will remain a constant: championing business, shaping policy, and helping to unleash the full potential of Greater Birmingham.

The Chamber network remains a trusted, evidence-based advocate for enterprise, growth and inclusive prosperity.