Former newspaper editor appointed president of Sutton Coldfield chamber
Former newspaper editor appointed president of Sutton Coldfield chamber
A former newspaper editor and journalist has taken the reins as president of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce.
Gary Phelps, who grew up in the town and went on to become the editor of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Observer, was named as the Chamber’s new president at the AGM on Monday 7 July.
A new vice president was also appointed at the AGM, with customer experience expert Shaun Cremins of insight6 joining fellow vice president Kate Curry, founder of CUDOS Creative agency.
Phelps has worked in the media for more than 30 years and has edited nine newspapers – including the Tamworth Herald, Royal Sutton Coldfield Observer, Lichfield Mercury and Nuneaton News.
He runs Gary Phelps Communications, a media consultancy specialising in education, charity, industry and public affairs.
Phelps also ran comms on former West Midlands mayor Andy Street’s election campaigns and is editor-in-chief of ASHES Magazine.
A member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, Phelps is the founder and publisher of www.ukschoolnews.com and www.suttonschoollife.co.uk.
Phelps, who succeeds outgoing president Naeem Arif, said: “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.
“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.
“That’s why the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce is so valuable to the business community.
“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.”
Arif, who becomes honorary chair following his two-year term as president, said: “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.”
Meanwhile, the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber also welcomed two new committee members, Charlotte Edwards from Edwards & Gray Estate Agents and Gurmeet Singla from Ficode Technologies.
Source: Google News
