SOLIHULL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2024/2025
WELCOME TO THE SOLIHULL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SAMANTHA FRAMPTON, HEAD OF SOLIHULL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
Welcome to Solihull, a thriving hub of commerce, innovation, skills, talent and opportunity. As the Head of the Solihull Chamber of Commerce, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Solihull Chamber of Commerce AGM 2025.
Solihull boasts a rich tapestry of businesses, from startups to established businesses all contributing to the dynamic economic ecosystem that defines our community. With its strategic location, excellent transport links, and skilled workforce, Solihull provides an ideal environment for businesses to grow and prosper.
The Solihull Chamber of Commerce mission is to connect, support and grow local businesses, providing invaluable support, resources, and networking opportunities to help companies thrive. Through collaboration and partnership, we foster an environment of entrepreneurship and innovation, driving economic growth and prosperity for all.
Whether you are considering establishing a presence here or are already part of our business community, I am confident that you will find Solihull to be a welcoming and rewarding place to do business.
Our members are from a vast range of sectors, making our network uniquely diverse and strong. Membership is at the heart of everything we do and is the perfect platform to work with the Solihull Chamber of Commerce to promote and market your business.
I invite you to explore the opportunities that Solihull has to offer. We care about the places and people we represent and believe that thriving businesses sit at the heart of a vibrant community. We want to help make Solihull the best possible place to work and do business.
Thank you.
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER. As a Chamber member, you are part of a vibrant business community; a collective that have been championing local businesses unwaveringly since 1813.
BUILD YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND NETWORK through our inspirational programme of workshops, events, campaigns, our connections and resources.
BOOST YOUR PROFILE. Showcase your business through our extensive news and social media platforms, directory and member-to-member offers.
BENEFIT FROM SAVINGS. Access to a range of Chamber, partner and member discounts to help your business manage costs.
A STANDARD MEMBERSHIP PACKAGE INCLUDES:
• Support from a Relationship Manager at the Chamber
• Discount on Chamber services
• 24/7 access to HR & Legal helpline
• Member marketplace promotion
• Blog submission
• Use of ‘proud member’ logo
• Member Directory access and listing
• Social media promotion
• Monthly prize draw entry
• Chamberlink magazine
NOT YET A MEMBER?
Membership starts from as little as £300 + VAT per year and we offer quarterly payments at no extra cost (depending on membership level).
To join, please email Samantha Frampton, Head of Solihull Chamber of Commerce s.frampton@solihull-chamber.com
OUR PATRONS
Our Patronage package is for businesses looking to connect with, support and grow the Solihull business community. It is our top-tier membership package providing an exclusive combination of profile opportunities, access to networks and intelligence, and tailored support from the Head of the division. Our Patrons are leaders in their field and play a vital role in enabling our work to develop and celebrate the Solihull business community.
WHAT OUR PATRONS SAY
“As patrons of Solihull Chamber, Birmingham Business Park are proud to be part of such a strong business community based here in Solihull.
The Chamber offers unrivalled opportunities to promote businesses, providing economic development opportunities for the community, and strengthening the business network across the borough.”
LORI MCDONAGH, Marketing, Community and Business Development ManagerBirmingham Business Park
KEY STATS & TESTIMONIALS
KEY STATS
The Solihull Chamber of Commerce has over 215 members.
2,500 subscribers receive our weekly newsletter.
Between March 2024 and March 2025, we had 653 attendees across 17 events.
Over 300 delegates attended our Solihull Annual Dinner & Awards in September 2024
TESTIMONIALS
“The Chamber has played a big part in my personal and professional growth, and I’ve gained several clients through my membership. Overall, I’ve been impressed with the inclusive culture and how I’ve been encouraged to take full advantage of what’s on offer, such as masterclasses, award entries, and seminars.
I’ve made great connections and built strong relationships that have brought mutual benefits and created a solid foundation for the future of my business.”
RICHARD NEWELL, Freelance Copywriter, Perception Copywriting
“Last year was our first visit to the Solihull Expo and we were so impressed! It was a great space for us to promote our security services, including our Training Academy. We met loads of new people, demonstrated our training, and registered lots of interest for our bespoke training days that include workplace Emergency First Aid and Paediatric First Aid. The Expo was also the perfect opportunity to get to know other Chamber members – we met Avi from Cheeky Maharaja and booked his delicious street food for a company event at Christmas!”
LAURA MCCARTHY, People and Communications Director, MAN Commercial Protection Ltd
SOLIHULL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL AWARDS 2024 – WINNERS
EXCELLENCE IN CHANGE & SUSTAINABILITY – TOUCHWOOD SOLIHULL
EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICES –EVAC+CHAIR INTERNATIONAL
EXCELLENCE IN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES – JERROMS
EXCELLENCE IN CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY – VISIT KNOWLE
EXCELLENCE IN HOSPITALITY & RETAIL –VISIT KNOWLE
EXCELLENCE IN SALES, MARKETING & COMMUNICATION – K HULSE CONSULTING
EXCELLENCE IN TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION – EVAC+CHAIR INTERNATIONAL
EXCELLENCE IN TRAINING, EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT IN PEOPLE –MAN COMMERCIAL PROTECTION LTD
OUTSTANDING START-UP, ENTERPRISE & ENTREPRENEURSHIP (LARGE-SCALE) –UB HEALTHCARE LTD
SOLIHULL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2024 –MAN COMMERCIAL PROTECTION LTD
EXCELLENCE IN THIRD SECTOR –ST BASILS CHARITY
OUTSTANDING START-UP, ENTERPRISE & ENTREPRENEURSHIP (START-UP) –SOLIHULL VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
SOLIHULL’S RISING STAR & FUTURE LEADER – SARAH BRESLIN – SOLIHULL COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY CENTRE
SOLIHULL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL AWARDS 2024 – WINNERS
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
HEADLINE SPONSORS
AWARD SPONSORS
EXCELLENCE IN THIRD SECTOR
EXCELLENCE IN TRAINING, EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT IN PEOPLE
EXCELLENCE IN CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY
SOLIHULL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2024
EXCELLENCE IN TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
OUTSTANDING START-UP, ENTERPRISE & ENTREPRENEURSHIP (START-UP AND LARGE-SCALE)
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The Executive Committee is derived from the Solihull membership and consists of member representatives that have a variety of skills and drive to contribute to the Solihull Chamber agenda.
Solihull Executive Committee members are appointed through a member vote. They meet bi-monthly to review the activities of the Solihull Chamber, as well as plan for upcoming events, initiatives and activities.
PRESIDENT
EMMA-LOUISE
HEWITT Partner – Head of Employment, Sydney Mitchell
VICE-PRESIDENT
REBECCA GATER Principal and Chief Executive, Solihull College & University Centre
KEVIN JOHNS Managing Director, Prime Accountants
KIM HULSE Owner/Founder, K Hulse Consulting
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
SUSIE ANKRETT Founder, Plum Executive
TONY ELVIN General Manager, Touchwood Solihull
JAS ROHEL CEO, On Your Radio Solihull
PAULINE CLARKE Senior Business & Communities Fundraiser, St Basils
AMANDA HOLDEN Solicitor and Head of Residential Conveyancing, The Wilkes Partnership LLP
STEVE WHITMARSH Chief Executive Officer, runyourfleet
LOUISE DUNN Director & Co-Founder, The Recruitment Duo
IAN ROGERS Founder, Solihull Summer Fest
MARK WILSON Founder & Managing Partner, Headpoint Advisors Limited
EILEEN SCHOFIELD Principal, Schofield & Associates
OUTGOING PRESIDENT ADDRESS MARCH 2025
EILEEN SCHOFIELD, SOLIHULL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
REFLECTING ON TWO YEARS AS PRESIDENT OF SOLIHULL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
It feels like just yesterday that I stepped into the role of President of Solihull Chamber, determined to listen, support, and champion the businesses that invest in our Chamber. Looking back, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.
A THRIVING BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Our networking and learning events have consistently sold out, creating opportunities for businesses to collaborate, share knowledge, and grow.
None of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of Samantha Frampton, our dedicated Head of Solihull Chamber and to the Vice Presidents Emma-Louise Hewitt, Rebecca Gater, and Kevin Johns, as well as Membership Assistant Liz Treadwell.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE BEYOND BUSINESS
A key highlight has been our ongoing partnership with Solihull Moors Charity. Over the past two years, our members have gone above and beyond in their support—through donations, mentoring, and fundraising. Thanks to this collective effort, we have raised £13,225 for the charity’s projects and initiatives.
DELIVERING ON OUR KEY OBJECTIVES
At the start of my second year, I set out three key objectives—to foster meaningful discussions within key sectors, to empower women in business, and to tackle transport challenges in our region. I am proud to say that we have delivered on each of these:
OUTGOING PRESIDENT ADDRESS
EILEEN SCHOFIELD
› Continued
1. Sector Roundtables for Professional Services & Hospitality
We launched roundtable discussions in these key sectors, providing a platform for businesses to share best practices, discuss challenges, and explore solutions together.
2. Women in Business Initiatives
Our Solihull Female Leaders Women in Business movement has been a resounding success, thanks to our partnership with Birmingham & Solihull Growth Hub and Solihull Council.
3. Advocating for Improved Transport Links
Transport remains a critical issue for businesses across Solihull. We brought together business leaders with key decision-makers at the West Midlands Combined Authority.
A PRIVILEGE AND A LEGACY
It has been an incredible journey, and serving as President of Solihull Chamber has been an absolute privilege. I set out with a clear vision, and I am proud to have fulfilled my objectives in support of our members and the wider business community.
As I hand over the reins, I do so with confidence in the Chamber’s continued growth and success. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey—it has been an honour to serve, and I look forward to seeing the Chamber continue to thrive.
INCOMING PRESIDENT ADDRESS MARCH 2025
EMMA-LOUISE HEWITT, SOLIHULL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
I am extremely honoured to be taking on the role of the President of Solihull Chamber of Commerce for the next two years working alongside Samantha Frampton, Head of Solihull, as we continue to strive to create an environment that fosters growth, innovation and collaboration among our members.
I follow a long line of great Presidents, and I would like to thank each and every one of them for all they have done. A special thanks goes to Eileen Schofield, our outgoing President, who has worked tirelessly in successfully bringing our members together, highlighting issues faced by our members, including transport and connectivity between the north and south of the borough.
I am inspired by the unique contributions each President has made and I’m eager to bring my own fresh perspectives and initiatives to the role.
As President, alongside the Executive Committee, our primary responsibility is to represent you by prioritising support, connection and growth of our members businesses.
The committee is made up of exceptional business leaders from our community who live and breathe Solihull in all they do and are deeply invested in Solihull’s success. They volunteer their time because they genuinely care about local businesses and the community that they serve. Solihull’s thriving businesses are at the core of our vibrant community and as far as we are concerned, Solihull is the best place to do business.
We are committed to supporting you and your businesses, to actively listen and engage with you as fellow members, ensuring that your voice is heard. Our goal is to continue to deliver impactful events and initiatives that benefit your businesses, ensuring you get the most out of your membership. Saying that, we urge you to engage with the Chamber in a meaningful way to get the most out of your membership.
The committee and I are looking forward to collaborating with you and your businesses to support, connect and grow your success.
SOLIHULL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHARITY 2025/26
The Solihull Chamber of Commerce’s chosen charity for 2025/26 is Solihull Hospital Charity.
Solihull Hospital Charity is the official NHS charity of Solihull Hospital and funds added extras that are over and above NHS provision at Solihull Hospital. The charity is part of University Hospitals Birmingham Charity, supporting needs across Solihull, QE, Heartlands and Good Hope Hospitals.
Being in hospital can be really hard physically and emotionally. This is why we as a charity want to do all we can to make our patients, and their families feel as supported as possible during their treatment. From lollipops to wall art and from therapy dogs to staff-wellbeing, the charity raises vital funds to support needs at Solihull Hospital that make a real impact on patients, families, and staff. We are incredibly grateful for all support received!
“On behalf of everyone at Solihull Hospital Charity, I’m so incredibly thankful to everyone involved with the Solihull Chamber of Commerce for choosing us to be their charity of the year for 2025/2026. Being the Solihull Chamber’s Charity of the Year will make an amazing difference to our fundraising and awareness levels and help raise funds for the amazing projects we have at Solihull Hospital. I am very excited to be working with the Solihull Chamber throughout the coming year and can’t wait to get started!”
JONATHAN BURCH – Fundraising Officer
