THE General manager of Touchwood shopping centre, Tony Elvin, has been named as Solihull Chamber of Commerce’s new president.
Tony takes over from Robert Elliot, who served for two years.
As well as his role at Touchwood, Tony runs The Wine Events Company, is a champion for Cure Leukaemia, trustee for Birmingham Civic Society and deputy chair for Solihull Business Improvement District.
Before joining Touchwood, he served for six years as general manager of Hotel du Vin in Birmingham city centre.
Eileen Schofield, employment lawyer and principal at Schofield and Associates, was appointed as vice-president of the Chamber, during its annual meeting last week.
It is Eileen’s second senior Chamber role alongside her vice-presidential role at the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce.
She will support Tony with the Chamber’s other serving vice-presidents, Mick Westman and Stuart Watson.
Robert said: “It has been an honour to serve our Chamber members as president. In handing office to Tony I wish him the very best of luck, strength and good health. One thing I urge of him, enjoy it.
“Tony has been a champion of Solihull and indeed our region for many years.
“I could not be prouder to be passing the Chamber presidency to Tony and would like to wish him, his vice-presidents, and all the members the best of luck, and good health.
Tony said: “I am very excited at the opportunity to pick up the baton from Robert Elliot as the next president of Solihull Chamber.
“Robert has held this position with care, sincerity, good humour and commitment. All values that I hope to emulate during my tenure.
“With the arrival of HS2 and the redevelopment of Solihull town centre on the horizon we have much to be excited for but it won’t be plain sailing.
“Brexit and a recovery from the global pandemic ensure us of some choppy waters ahead but it is at times like these that we need the support of our Chambers and I look forward to doing what I can, with my team, to help those businesses in need around us.”
Alongside Tony and Eileen’s appointments, seven business leaders were elected to serve on Chamber’s council. They are: Emma-Louise Hewitt, from Sydney Mitchell, John Callaghan, of Solihull College and University Centre, Kevin Johns, of Prime Accountants Group, Jas Rohel, of Solihull Radio, Brad Parkes, of Specsavers Solihull, Pauline Clarke, of St Basils and Tim Armitage, of Arup, will serve two-year terms on the Chamber’s council as executive committee members.
Additionally, Susie Ankrett, of Plum Personnel, Simon Hatton, of Rolls-Royce, Namrita Sharma, of Pink Spaghetti and Vijay Jogia, of Metro Bank Solihull, were co-opted onto the Chamber’s council. They will serve a one-year term as committee members.
